Since signing for Liverpool in 2017, Mo Salah has fully established himself as a Reds legend with his stunning goalscoring exploits and record breaking achievements.
The Egyptian King is widely conceded as a world class star by fans, players and pundits alike. However, former Premier League forward Troy Deeney still has his doubts about Salah’s credentials as a world beater.
All this despite Salah winning every major trophy possible at club level. He can also boast three Golden Boots, Two African Footballer of the Year awards as well as placing third in the FIFA Best award on two separate occasions.
Not only that, Salah’s goalscoring feats show no signs of slowing. Only seven players have more goals than him in England’s elite since it’s inauguration in 1992. Also, he is the fifth highest scorer overall for the Merseysiders.
Salah has netted 42 goals in the UEFA Champions League for the Reds. The most by any player representing an English club. But still, Deeney isn’t convinced.
Troy Deeney Claims Mo Salah Is ‘Not World Class’
The Watford legend and current talkSPORT pundit made the extremely bold claims live on the show. Naturally, many listeners would have been stunned by Deeney’s views.
“I think Mo Salah is excellent, he’s a pivotal part for Liverpool and they should never have let it [his expiring contract] get to this situation.
“But I understand that there’s a financial structure around what they want to try and keep to. My argument has always been that I just don’t think he’s world class.
“But world class is just a different opinion, what I think of world class is would I want my kids to play like that player? That’s what I think is world class.
“If I was asking my kids who want to be forwards, I would be saying I would like them to look at what Vinicius Jr does as opposed to Mo Salah.
“But his goals that Salah scores, he scores an unbelievable amount of goals, he’s highly effective, but that’s just my opinion.
“He’s probably going to turn around and say, ‘Who the f*** is Troy?’ And fair play to him, but that’s my opinion.”
The Real Madrid and Brazil star has never outscored Salah in a single campaign since signing for Los Blancos. Nonetheless he does lead the race by two goals this season.
Deeney’s comments will certainly get tongues wagging on the red half of Merseyside. However, the most die-hard supporters won’t take his words too seriously.
At the time of writing, the best football betting sites in the UK price Salah at 13/2 to go on and claim a fourth Premier League Golden Boot.