Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor has tipped Mohamed Salah to be in the running to win the Ballon d’Or.
The Egyptian winger netted a stunning hat-trick against Manchester United over the weekend to become the leading African goalscorer in Premier League history.
Salah also assisted Naby Keita for the opener to take an overall tally to a remarkable 20 direct goal contributions in 12 appearances this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Mellor, who played 22 times for the Reds, suggested the 29-year-old should be one of the first names in contention for the prestigious award.
Absolute superstar. In sensational form at the moment, there’s a lot of talk about his contract, Ballon d’Or Salah is loving playing for Liverpool Football Club. He’s getting the best out of himself, the manager, the team, they are playing to his strengths and he is scoring goals for fun. He looks like he’s going to score every game, he scored three and he could’ve had a couple more. His movement in the final third – United could not handle him. When you’re looking at contenders for the Ballon d’Or, Salah would be the first name on everybody’s lips who they would want in their team. He has been unbelievable.
Salah faces tough competition from the likes of Lionel Messi, Jorginho, Robert Lewandowksi and Karim Benzema to claim the prize on November 29.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
It’s hard to argue that in current form the Egyptian King isn’t worthy of a place at the very top table and this red hot streak may just have come at the ideal time.
Despite the continued class of Messi, the Argentinian genius has made a relatively quiet start to the new season, whilst Lewandowski arguably is deserving of the award following the exploits of last term.
Even last season the flying winger managed 31 goals across all competitions as Klopp’s side were decimated by injuries.
Liverpool haven’t had a Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen back in 2001 – could Salah repeat the feat two decades later?
