Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne set to renew their iconic Premier League rivalry on the world’s biggest stage as Egypt faces Belgium in their Group G World Cup opener.
Former Liverpool winger, Mohamed Salah, kicks off his World Cup campaign on Monday as they face Belgium. This will be the forward’s second World Cup competition, and he celebrates it on his 34th birthday.
In the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the African side failed to pick up a single point, though it was tough for Salah. In the Champions League final prior to the tournament, he suffered a significant shoulder injury. It had a major part in the little impact he had on the three matches they were involved in. Despite a below-par season on Merseyside, it gives him a chance to write the wrongs. It’s just the fourth time they have ever qualified for the World Cup.
On paper, with the quality they have in their side, they should be reaching the Round of 32, with fixtures against New Zealand and Iran. Their toughest test is their first test, against the Red Devils.
They have constantly been the dark horse of the competition, with a good showing in 2018 as they reached the semi-finals. This will likely be Kevin De Bruyne’s last outing for his country at this competition, as he stands as their greatest ever player.
Ahead of the match, the former Manchester City midfielder spoke highly of Salah and how he is preparing to meet him once again. For what may be their final meeting as players.
Kevin De Bruyne on meeting Mohamed Salah in World Cup
For nearly a decade, Liverpool and Man City were the two sides that dominated English football. That only ended this past season, as Arsenal became the only side since 2018 to win the Premier League that wasn’t those two. Much of that has been down to De Bruyne and Salah.
Whilst both clubs have had incredible players, those two individuals have stood out. When the cards have been against them, the Egyptian and the Belgian have been the men to put it right. In Premier League title success, they have regularly been the heroes of the hour.
De Bruyne said goodbye to Pep Guardiola’s side at the end of the 2024/25 campaign. Salah left Anfield this summer, after an incredible nine-year stint. The midfielder now calls Napoli home, while news is yet to break on where Salah is to arrive.
Belgium are heavy favourites ahead of the World Cup meeting, though the former Red winger would like to have his say. Speaking with Fox Sport ahead of the clash, De Bruyne spoke about Salah and having a special meeting once again.
He said, “I played against Mo for 10 years.
“Our kids also went to the same school. So, I saw him from time to time. And, he’s a really nice guy. So, it will be nice to see him. It will be nice to compete again like old times.”
Egypt have never reached the knockout stages of a World Cup in their four attempts. Other fixtures give them a great chance, but a result against Belgium will be a massive helping hand. Though competiting against De Bruyne again is a real test.
Renewing Liverpool and Man City rivalry
The pair have become some of the most respected players of the Premier League era, for their performances. In 2022, they both scored key goals at Anfield in a 2-2 draw, which was one of the most exciting meetings between the two clubs. When they have faced off, these two have been in the headlines for making a difference.
After years of battling in club football, they will now do it once again on the greatest stage. With them both in the latter stages of their careers, it could be their final chapter. There has been interest from Serie A sides in the Egyptian, though nothing is clear at this stage. There could be more to see as the pair meet, but it could be the last time these two Premier League legends share the same pitch.
