Paul Merson has heaped praise on Mohamed Salah ahead of the FA Cup final, labelling him a ‘freak’ and ‘the best player in the world in his position’.
Salah has scored 30 goals in 48 appearances for the Reds and was recently crowned The Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for the second time. He also currently leads the Golden Boot race in the Premier League with 22 goals while he has also amassed 16 assists across all competitions.
Liverpool face Chelsea this Saturday in the FA Cup final as they aim to win their eighth FA Cup but their first one since the 2005/06 season and Merson has backed Salah to have a key role to play.
“Ahead of a cup final, it’s impossible not to talk about Mohamed Salah,” he told his Daily Star column. “He recently proclaimed himself as the best player in the world in his position. I’d have to agree with him, and he’s a bit of a freak each time he plays and he turns up in all the big games. Salah is an absolutely unbelievable player and every young kid who aspires to make it as a footballer should look at what he’s prepared to do to keep himself at the very top.”
READ MORE: Four things spotted in training as Liverpool player gets new look and Fabinho replacement trains
READ MORE: Kevin de Bruyne makes 'crazy' Liverpool claim after Man City beat Wolves
Despite a superb season, Salah has endured an unproductive spell in front of goal in recent months with just two goals in his last 13 Liverpool games in all competitions. However, Merson refused to write off the Egyptian and also hailed the impact of another member of Liverpool’s front three. He said: “I don’t think Salah has got a point to prove despite his barren run in recent weeks, but everyone dreams of scoring at Wembley in a cup final, so it’ll be no different for him!
“Luis Diaz is another Liverpool player who deserves a mention because he’s settled in quicker than snow since joining in January! He’s walked straight into the front three and worked his socks off to become a key player for the club - I can’t talk highly enough of the bloke.”
During Tuesday’s tense 2-1 win over Aston Villa, the Reds were dealt a huge blow as Fabinho hobbled off injured during the first half. Scans have subsequently confirmed a hamstring strain that is almost certain to rule the Brazilian out for the remainder of Liverpool's domestic campaign, although Jurgen Klopp is optimistic over a return for the Champions League final.
Chelsea also felt a similar struggle as Mateo Kovacic limped off during their 3-0 win over Leeds on Wednesday but reports are more optimistic over the Croatian. Merson believes this could hand Chelsea the advantage. He said: “Injuries to Fabinho and Kovacic will obviously come as massive blows to their respective teams, but if reports are to be believed, the Chelsea midfielder could be available for the FA Cup final if he makes a swift recovery.
“Fabinho, however, has officially been ruled out and Liverpool usually lack discipline when he doesn't play as he knits everything together.”
The FA Cup final kicks off at 4.45pm on Saturday afternoon as the Reds continue their quest for an unprecedented quadruple.
