Mohamed Salah is not a world-class player, says Nigerian legend Yakubu Aiyegbeni

Former Super Eagles legend Yakubu Aiyegbeni recently stirred up the football world with his controversial remarks about Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. Despite Salah’s stellar record-breaking performances in the Premier League, Yakubu boldly claimed that the Egyptian forward does not meet the criteria to be considered a world-class player.

This assertion, coming from a player who himself left a significant mark in the Premier League with notable goal-scoring feats, has sparked widespread debate and intrigue among football fans and pundits alike.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni, renowned for his goal-scoring prowess during his time with clubs like Everton, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, and Reading, amassed an impressive 95 goals in the Premier League. His name is etched among the top African goal scorers in the league’s history, a testament to his impact and legacy.

Despite Salah’s remarkable tally of 154 goals in 252 appearances, Yakubu excluded him from his list of Africa’s greatest Premier League stars, citing specific reasons for his omission.

In a statement attributed to Football Factly, Yakubu expressed his opinion on Salah’s standing in the football world, asserting, “Salah is not world-class in my opinion. He is not skillful with the ball, and many of his goals are fortuitous.” These comments have ignited a heated discussion about the criteria for defining a world-class player and have prompted a closer examination of Salah’s playing style and contributions to Liverpool and the Egyptian national team.

Yakubu proceeded to name a lineup of African footballing legends whom he believes deserve recognition as the Premier League’s finest. Among the luminaries mentioned are Jay-Jay Okocha, Didier Drogba, Nwankwo Kanu, Yaya Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Sadio Mané.

These players have left an indelible mark on the Premier League with their skill, flair, and ability to deliver in crucial moments, earning admiration and respect from fans and peers alike.

Salah’s underwhelming performance at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Egypt has further fueled the debate surrounding his status as a world-class player. Despite entering the tournament with high expectations, Salah’s campaign was cut short due to injury after just two appearances, leaving questions about his impact and influence on the international stage.

In light of Yakubu’s comments and Salah’s AFCON disappointment, football enthusiasts are divided in their assessment of the Liverpool star’s legacy. While Salah’s goal-scoring exploits have earned him accolades and admiration, critics point to perceived shortcomings in his overall game and question whether he truly belongs among the elite echelons of world football.

As debates rage on and opinions continue to diverge, one thing remains certain: Mohamed Salah’s journey in football is far from over. Whether he ultimately ascends to the ranks of the all-time greats or falls short of the lofty expectations placed upon him, Salah’s impact on the sport will be remembered and analyzed for years to come. In the ever-evolving landscape of football, debates about players’ legacies and contributions serve as a testament to the passion and fervor that the beautiful game inspires in fans around the world.