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Brazil legend backs ‘astonishing’ Liverpool star for Ballon d’Or challenge

Mohamed Salah
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The 30-man shortlist for the 2021 Ballon d’Or is out, so who can win it? Rivaldo, for one, sees Mohamed Salah as a worthy challenger.

Mohamed Salah is one of the world’s best players and deserves to be considered a contender for the Ballon d’Or, says Rivaldo.

The Egypt international is enjoying another superb campaign for Liverpool. In only nine games across all competitions, he has scored nine times and supplied three assists. He is also the Premier League’s joint-top scorer alongside Leicester City star Jamie Vardy on six goals.

A wonder goal against Manchester City recently has strengthened Salah’s reputation. Some pundits are even comparing him to Lionel Messi, a six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“Liverpool’s Egyptian forward is producing a fantastic start of the season with impressive stats and a sensational goal against Manchester City last weekend,” ex-Brazil and Barcelona forward Rivaldo told Betfair.

“He’s one of the best players in the world right now because his astonishing numbers in terms of goals and assists are obtained in the Premier League and Champions League, two of the most difficult competitions in the planet.”

France Football has included Salah in the 30-man shortlist for the 2021 Ballon d’Or alongside the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rivaldo, who won the award himself in 1999, added: “When you are so good in demanding conditions, then, of course, you are a top player who deserves to be among the contenders for the Ballon d’Or this season,” he added.

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