Troy Deeney Questions Salah’s World-Class Credentials, Praises Vinicius Junior
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talisman and one of the Premier League’s most prolific scorers, has been labeled “not world-class” by former Watford striker Troy Deeney. Deeney stirred debate with his bold claim while also ranking Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior ahead of the Egyptian star.
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Salah’s Impact at Liverpool
In his eighth season with Liverpool, Salah continues to be a critical component of the team. His contributions this season have been nothing short of remarkable, with eight goals and six assists in just 11 Premier League games. Only club legends Ian Rush and Roger Hunt have scored more for Liverpool, underscoring Salah’s legacy at Anfield.
Salah’s consistent performances have been vital in Arne Slot’s impressive start to his managerial tenure at Liverpool. Yet, despite his stellar form, Deeney argues that Salah’s style does not meet his personal definition of world-class.
Deeney’s Controversial Opinion
Speaking on talkSPORT, Deeney said:
“I think Mohamed Salah is excellent; he’s a pivotal part of Liverpool… But I just don’t think he’s world-class. World-class, to me, is someone I’d want my kids to emulate. For that, I’d pick Vinicius Junior over Salah.”
Deeney praised Salah’s goal-scoring ability and effectiveness but maintained that Vinicius Junior, with his flair and dynamic playstyle, would be his preferred example for aspiring young forwards.
The Case for Vinicius Junior
The Brazilian winger, who has also had a stellar start to his season with eight goals and four assists in La Liga, has become a standout figure at Real Madrid. Despite narrowly missing out on the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City’s Rodri, Vinicius’s performances have earned widespread admiration.
Deeney highlighted Vinicius’s creativity and technical skill, suggesting that his approach to the game better aligns with what he considers the gold standard for world-class talent.
Salah’s Uncertain Future
Adding intrigue to the debate is Salah’s contract situation at Liverpool. The 32-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and he will be free to negotiate with clubs outside of England starting in January. Reports suggest Liverpool are already exploring options to replace their star forward, should he opt to leave.
Mixed Reactions
Deeney acknowledged that his view might not be universally accepted, quipping, “He’s [Salah] probably going to turn around and say, ‘Who the f*** is Troy?,’ and fair play to him.” However, his comments have reignited discussions about what it truly means to be world-class and how subjective such assessments can be.
As Salah faces an uncertain future at Anfield, the debate over his place among football’s elite rages on. While Deeney’s opinion may spark controversy, there is no denying Salah’s impact on Liverpool and the Premier League. Whether or not he is “world-class” by every standard, Salah’s contributions to the game remain undeniable.