Mohammed Salah is without a shadow of doubt, Egypt’s Golden boy. He’s been the country’s best player for a couple of years, and is seen amongst the next generation of players to dominate the African international scene.
In 2013, he was awarded the SAFP Golden player award for being the best player in the Swiss Super League and things were heading in the right direction for the highly rated youngster.
On 26 January 2014, following the departure of Juan Mata, Chelsea’s talismanic playmaker, the Blues announced a deal worth 11million pounds to bring the Egyptian from Basel.
Salah scored he’s first Chelsea goal against an already battered Arsenal side, and the fans in their usual nature, begun to expect big things from the youngster.
However to the trained eye, certain things became very apparent, because it was clear that in relation to the rest of the Chelsea squad, that Salah was a Jack of no trade.
Let’s take a critical look at the player;
• He is the fastest without the ball and one of the slowest with it. Hazard showed that he was quicker and better with the ball at his feet
If most teams are going to pack the box against the title contenders anyway, what use is a guy whose one trick is getting behind a high line defense?
• He isn’t a very good finisher. And even if anyone was bold enough to call his finishing ‘average’ then Schurrie and Oscar would still be better in that department.
• Salah is one of those players that can complete a dribble, if they have yards of space to run in. He kicks the ball into space and challenges the defender to a sprint. Again, because most teams defend against the Blues by playing a low block and crowding their box, there’s usually no such space to exploit.
• Now, were all fails, be like Willian. And be the best defensive winger on the team. Let me assure you, that Salah isn’t even that.
• Another weakness that Salah has is that of all the attacking talent that Chelsea possesses, he’s the only guy who can’t play as a 10. Even Andre Schurrie can play behind the striker as a support striker.
• The Egyptian has terrible ball control.
Now, if you’re still wondering why Salah will be sold in January, it’s because there’s nothing he does better than anyone else, that plays his position.
This has been evident in Jose Mourinho’s team selections this season, in which Salah has only featured in one out of all the four games played.
He’s career is obviously taking a nose dive as even he’s national team coach has taken to the media to air his complaints;
“… the poor fitness of the players especially Salah, is also a reason for this loss… Salah didn’t play regularly for Chelsea. If Salah is off form, Egypt’s performance is always affected.” – Egypt Coach Shawky Gharib.
It seems in the interest of all the parties involved, that Salah either be sold or loaned out next year. It is my belief that a move out of the club for him, will happen sooner rather than later.
