Former Republic of Ireland international Tony Cascarino says Liverpool star Mohamed Salah would be a more worthwhile signing than Neymar, the world’s most expensive footballer.
The Egyptian international permanently lodged his name into the Anfield folklore after netting four goals for the first time against Watford on Saturday – including his first hat-trick for the club.
Salah, 25, was directly involved in all of his side’s goals during the 5-0 rout – setting up Roberto Firmino for their third of the day – and surpassed Fernando Torres as the player to have scored the most times in his debut season at Liverpool (36).
“If I had [the £200m Neymar fee] now I would spend it on Mohamed Salah — I can’t think of anyone in world football I would rather buy,” Cascarino told the The Times.
“The Egypt forward deserves to be compared to the likes of Messi and Ronaldo this season and he betters them in some areas — he works far harder off the ball and, despite being the star man, still chases back and puts in tackles.” NaijaBet.com
The 25-year-old Egyptian is not ‘just’ a goalscorer either, as he has created 53 chances for Liverpool this season, notching nine assists – the most of any other Reds player. NaijaBet.com
“He puts in the work for the team, and the team and system works for him to create so many chances — he is a top scorer but could have had many more,” Cascarino continued.
“The only thing left now in terms of his career is winning trophies, putting in match-winning displays in big games.”
Ronaldo vs Salah: international talismans on a collision course
Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to face each other when Portugal and Egypt play in an international friendly this Friday.
A bulk of Ronaldo’s goals have come in the Champions League – 12 – while Salah has scored more domestic goals and comes out top in every other aspect of his game including assists, chances created and key passes per 90 when compared with the 33-year-old.
