Pundit likens Liverpool star to Messi after making ‘big statement’

Ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has suggested that Liverpool star Mo Salah is the “closest” player to Lionel Messi and he’s the “best in the world” right now.

Liverpool faced Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. A win for either side would have move them to the top of the Premier League ahead of the international break.

Man City dominated the first half and they should have gone into the break in front. They did not make the most of their chances though and Liverpool punished them for that after the restart.

16 Conclusions: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City

Salah set up Liverpool’s opener for Sadio Mane. Phil Foden equalised shortly after via a clinical finish from inside the penalty area.

The Egyptian forward restored Liverpool’s advantage as he scored an incredible solo goal. City struck back before the end as Kevin De Bruyne’s deflected attempt found the net.

After the game, Jurgen Klopp hailed Salah as a “world class” talent:

“It is not the first goal (Salah) has scored like this, I think against Napoli and Tottenham were similar goals but it is pure world class, what a player. He set up the first goal as well for Sadio and it was great goal as well.”

O’Hara has told talkSPORT that Salah made a “big statement” against City as he is “the closest thing to Lionel Messi we’ve seen”:

“He’s the best player in the world, for me, if you are looking at a player who is playing at the peak of his powers,” O’Hara said.

“I can’t look at anyone and say they are doing better than Mo Salah. Not only is he doing it in the Premier League, which is the best league in the world, but he’s doing it in big games.

“That performance against Man City was outstanding. The individual brilliance, especially for his goal.

“He used his pace and skill for Mane’s goal, but his goal was outstanding. He used all his attributes in one moment. Strength, quick feet, pace, power skill and then the finish with his weaker foot showed how good he was.

“This is a big statement… I think he’s the closest thing to Lionel Messi we’ve seen, without being Lionel Messi.

“Since Messi’s prime, if you are looking at another player who has come close in terms of player like Messi I would say Mo Salah.”