Jurgen Klopp and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have had their say over comparisons between Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Old Trafford will be the venue for this Sunday’s blockbuster clash between Manchester United and Liverpool, with both teams in contrasting forms in the league. As part of the build-up, some sections of the media has thrown comparisons between the superstars from both sides, specifically Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah.
Both stars have proven their importance for their respective sides this season, with Salah slightly excelling in terms of his stats. The Egyptian has scored 10 goals while providing 4 assists in all competitions. The Liverpool star is already tipped to win the upcoming Ballon d’Or, ahead of his adversary Ronaldo among others.
The Portuguese re-joined Manchester United amid some huge fanfare in the summer and has delivered so far on all fronts. Despite some media sections opting to criticise his onfield antics when United played badly, the Portuguese chose to show it on the pitch, as highlighted against Atalanta, with a late winner.
Goal.com posted quotes from Klopp and Solskjaer when both managers were asked to compare Ronaldo and Salah ahead of the clash on Sunday. While the Old Trafford boss chose to speak a few words, Klopp was rather direct in his suggestion.
Solskjaer said, “I’ll always back Cristiano in any competition. He’s unique, and his goal-scoring record is fantastic. That being said, Salah is on fire at the moment, and when you see some of the goals he has scored lately, we know we have to be at our best to defend against him.
“Players like this don’t come around very often, and we’ve got to enjoy them when we watch them from afar, but not on Sunday; that’s too close for me. We’ve got to do a good job, not just against him. I’m a big admirer of the front line they’ve had for many years now with Mane and Firmino, and maybe Jota will play; who knows. They are players you have to focus on and have to be nailed on for 95 mins to keep a clean sheet.”
When Klopp was asked to compare the two in-form forwards, the Liverpool boss was brief, although he did not get into a comparison battle. Klopp said, “Why should we compare? Both are world-class. I would say Mo’s left foot is better; Cristiano may be better in the air and with his right foot. Speed-wise, both are quick and desperate to score goals, but I’m not too interested in comparing, sorry.”
With the big clash on Sunday, both players could start a new rivalry in England with top-quality performances. So who will come out top in the battle at Old Trafford? Salah or Ronaldo?