Troy Deeney is likely to face the wrath of Liverpool fans after making the sensational claim that Mohamed Salah is “not world class”.
Salah was a defining figure of LiverpoolJurgen Klopp’s success, firing the Reds to Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup titles, among many other honours.
The Egyptian has not slowed down under Arne Slot, scoring 10 goals and 10 assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.
That takes Salah to 221 goals and 99 assists in 366 appearances since arriving at Anfield in 2017.
In most people’s estimation, that’s enough to be considered more than world class.
But not for Deeney. Instead, the former Watford striker believes this title can go Real Madridit’s Vinicius Jr, but not Salah.
Troy Deeney makes sensational Mohamed Salah claim
“I think Mohamed Salah is excellent, he’s a fundamental part for Liverpool and they should never have let (his expiring contract) get to this situation,” Deeney said. talkSPORT.
“But I understand there is a financial structure around what they want to try to pursue.
“My argument has always been that I 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 world class is.
“If I were to ask my kids if they want to be strikers, I’d tell them I’d like them to look at what Vinicius Jr does instead of Mohamed Salah.
“But his goals that he (Salah) scores, he scores an incredible amount of goals, he’s very effective, but that’s just my opinion.
“He’ll probably turn around and say, ‘Who the hell is Troy?’ and fair play, but that’s my opinion.”
