Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning individual awards are hampered by the fact he plays his international football for Egypt, according to former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre.
Liverpool star Salah has enjoyed an exceptional campaign so far, scoring 22 goals and registering eight assists in 24 appearances.
Pundits and fans alike have hailed the 29-year-old as the best player in the world. However, despite his sensational form he finished seventh in this year's Ballon d’Or awards.
And Silvestre, who won five Premier League titles during a glittering career with United, has claimed that because Salah is Egyptian, he will continue to be overlooked for top individual honours.
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“He’s up there with the best quality-wise. With the run of games that he’s scoring in, it’s incredible," Silvestre said.
“I watch him, he does two or three moves every time and he does it to perfection so the defenders can’t touch him. Even if they do it’s risky because it’s a penalty or free kick.
“He’s got that ability, similar to Messi, where he’s in control of the ball all the time and the ball is that close, just one extra touch and he’s away or defenders have to commit a foul to get the ball off him.
“The only thing is playing for Egypt, it limits his chances to win major international trophies and individual awards.”
Salah finished third in the Best FIFA Men’s Player award in 2018 and has been named African Footballer of the Year twice.
Since arriving at Anfield in a £34m deal from Roma in 2017, the Egyptian King has scored 147 goals and notched a further 56 assists in 227 appearances.
