Mohamed Salah 'has to lift' UEFA Champions League trophy to secure Ballon d'Or crown - Steve McManaman
Updated 05/03/2025 at 20:40 GMT
Mohamed Salah's Ballon d'Or credentials are growing stronger with every passing week as Liverpool hunt down the Premier League title. But Steve McManaman has insisted that the Egyptian "has to lift" the Champions League trophy if he wants to be the clear front runner for the award. Liverpool face a Parisian roadblock on their journey to another European title as they take on Paris Saint-Germain.
Salah has to win the Champions League to claim Ballon d’Or glory - McManaman
Video credit: TNT Sports
Steve McManaman believes that Mohamed Salah needs to win the UEFA Champions League this season if he wants to capture the next Ballon d'Or.
The Egyptian is having an incredible season as Liverpool steam-roll their way to the title, but a European trophy could all-but guarantee Salah his crown.
"If you're going to be talking about Ballon d'Or winners, you have to lift this trophy," McManaman said before Liverpool's clash with Paris Saint-Germain, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
"(Robert) Lewandowski scores more goals than Mo, Harry Kane scores goals than Mo -they're top of their respective leagues.
"It's whoever who lifts this beauty at the end will probably get themselves as firm favourite."
Having finished top of the league phase and passing with flying colours, Arne Slot's side face their latest examination courtesy of an in-form PSG side, spearheaded by one of Europe's most prolific players this season, Ousmane Dembele.
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While success on the continental stage eluded the Parisians in their own version of a 'Galactico' era, their new-look and youth-centric side has the potential to disrupt Liverpool's flow.
"When you get to the knockout stages of the Champions League, these are the teams you have to beat," he added.
"It's not going to get any easier from now on. The group stage is over, but this is where the business end starts.
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Slot responds to Enrique claim of Liverpool being 'best team in Europe'
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"They win here, they could play Real Madrid or Arsenal. There are huge, huge games coming up, and if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best.
"Liverpool have done it a few years ago, they've been in a couple of other finals, they need to do it again."
Rio Ferdinand added: "Mo Salah is one of those players, phenomenal footballer. His efficiency is through the roof, consistency.
"And you could switch off for that one moment in the game and he'll capitalise, he'll punish you.
"He's a fantastic football player, this guy. But again, I think he will have quiet spells in this game."
SLOT'S MIDFIELD ADJUSTMENT A 'MASTERSTROKE'
McManaman also heaped praise on Arne Slot, in particular around how he has handled Liverpool's midfield since coming in.
With talk of Ballon d'Or and Champions League trophies flying around already, it is easy to forget that Slot is still less than 10 months into his tenure at Anfield.
The Dutchman has tweaked parts of an already good Liverpool side, and the midfield is a prime example of his handiwork.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch in particular have been able to flourish under their new manager.
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McManaman: Slot handling of Liverpool's midfield 'weak point' a 'masterstroke'
Video credit: TNT Sports
"It's been a masterstroke really, considering Liverpool were really close to bringing in Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad before he changed his mind," McManaman said.
"But him not coming has allowed that three to flourish. Throw in Curtis Jones, throw in [Wataru] Endo and actually anybody who comes in knows what job they're doing, and they all perform to a high ability.
"Every substitution he makes has an impact on the game, and that's exactly what you are crying out for.
"Touch wood, it carries on this evening and the players continue to play in the same rich vein of form they're in."
TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024/25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.
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