Joe Cole states that the only reason Mohamed Salah of Liverpool hasn’t won the Ballon d’Or is because of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Messi and Ronaldo Era: Why Salah is Yet to Claim the Ballon d’Or

Mohamed Salah is firmly in contention for this year’s Ballon d’Or, according to TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole. The Liverpool forward has been in sensational form, notching up an impressive 42 goal involvements in the Premier League this season, including a crucial assist in Wednesday night’s 2-0 triumph over Newcastle at Anfield.

Cole, speaking ahead of West Ham’s clash with Leicester City, expressed his belief that Salah deserves to be among the frontrunners for football’s most prestigious individual accolade. “He’ll certainly be in the running,” Cole stated. “The Ballon d’Or is always heavily influenced by performances in the Champions League, particularly in the latter stages.”

The former England international pointed out that Salah’s lack of a Ballon d’Or to date can largely be attributed to the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during his career, as well as Liverpool’s recent struggles to progress deep into the Champions League. “What he’s achieved in the Premier League puts him alongside the greats,” Cole added. “This week has seen discussions about legends like Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Sergio Agüero, and Steven Gerrard, and Salah is right there in that conversation.”

Liverpool’s Title Charge

Salah’s contributions have been pivotal in propelling Liverpool towards the Premier League title, with the Reds now boasting a 13-point lead over second-placed Arsenal. Cole suggested that there is a calmness within the Liverpool camp, praising manager Arne Slot for orchestrating a “faultless” campaign thus far.

“While others may speculate about whether they’ve done enough, the players simply focus on their roles and continue to push forward,” Cole remarked. “I’ve been in that position before, where you’re clear at the top, and you feel the calmest amidst the noise from fans and owners. They’ve been faultless this season, and Slot deserves more recognition for the outstanding job he’s done.”

A Squad Built for Success

Fellow pundit Steve McManaman echoed Cole’s sentiments following Liverpool’s victory over Newcastle, highlighting the sense of invincibility surrounding Slot’s squad. “They know exactly what is required of them,” McManaman said. “Whether it’s Curtis Jones or Cody Gakpo starting, every player is delivering top performances. They are simply that good right now.”

He continued, “Liverpool can rely on a core group of 15 to 17 players, and the intensity remains high regardless of substitutions. When you have that level of trust in your squad, you can expect consistent results. They’re almost 1-0 up before they even step onto the pitch, such is their confidence, and the fans share in that belief.”

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Salah and Liverpool as they aim for glory, both domestically and in Europe. The question remains: can Salah finally break through the Messi-Ronaldo barrier and claim the Ballon d’Or he so richly deserves?