Jamie Carragher is backing Mohamed Salah to become only the second player from Africa to win the Ballon d'Or.
And the former Liverpool defender believes Egyptian star Salah has a “big chance” of securing the 2025 gong given his remarkable start to the season.
Salah's future at Liverpool beyond this season remains in doubt with no update offered on a new contract. But with Arne Slot's men at the top of the table and having reached the knockout stages of the Champions League and with games still to play, Carragher believes he is on the verge of being crowned the best player in the world .
“Salah's goals and assists are always fantastic and there is no greater admirer of his talent than me, regardless of what his fan base on social media might say,” Carragher said in his latest Telegraph column.
“Salah has stated in the past that he wants to become the second African to win the Ballon d'Or, after George Weah in 1995. I think he has a great chance.”
The pundit has also made his predictions for the next calendar year and, unsurprisingly, picks Slot's team to win the title – with Mikel Arteta's Arsenal in second place, despite recent injury problems.
“It's between Liverpool and Arsenal,” Carragher added. “Enzo Maresca has done an excellent job at Chelsea this season. I wasn't sure when the club chose not to keep Mauricio Pochettino last summer, but they have appointed a coach with a specific profile and Maresca has brought the squad together.
“That said, I agree that Chelsea are not quite ready to become champions yet. They will need another goalkeeper and a centre-back before they can go all the way.”
“Arsenal's biggest problem at the moment is their injuries. They have managed to avoid too many disruptions in the last two years, but their squad is overloaded this time.”
“But I speak with my head and heart when I say Liverpool will lead them to first place. Arne Slot's attacking options are the strongest in the Premier League. My only concern for Liverpool is whether they suffer injuries to their big players. “
“If they can avoid them, they will be difficult to catch. Chelsea will finish third and despite their problems, I see Man City finishing last in the Champions League.”
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