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Mohamed Salah has been one of the most in-form players in the world this season. The Egyptian international has been phenomenal since joining Liverpool in 2017 from AS Roma on a deal worth around €45 million.
He hit the ground running at Anfield. Mohamed Salah broke the record for most goals in a 38-game Premier League season in his debut campaign with Liverpool by netting 32 times. Salah was Liverpool's main man as they went on to win the Champions League in the 2018-19 season and the Premier League title in 2019-20.
Having turned 29 in June 2021, Salah's best days were thought to be behind him. But he has defied all expectations and has turned it up a notch this term. Salah has been in sublime form for Liverpool this season.
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Mohamed Salah is an early favorite to win the 2022 Ballon d'Or
He has scored 23 goals and provided nine assists in 26 appearances across all competitions for Jurgen Klopp's men already this term. Salah is one of the best footballers in the world on current form.
That is why he is an early favorite to win the 2022 Ballon d'Or. But he still has a long way to go if he is to accomplish that. Without further ado, let's take a look at five things Mohamed Salah needs to do to win the 2022 Ballon d'Or.
#5 Win the African Cup of Nations
Egypt have made it to the Round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations where they will now face Ivory Coast. Egypt are the most successful team in the history of the competition having won the tournament seven times.
Trophies go a long way towards propelling a player to the top in the race for the Ballon d'Or. Continental competitions like the Euros, Copa America and AFCON are of great significance in the race for the Ballon d'Or.
Lionel Messi led Argentina to their first Copa America win in 28 years in 2021 and that had a lot to do with him winning a record seventh Ballon d'Or last year. Winning the AFCON can be a major boost for Salah this year.
#4 Qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Egypt are minnows on the world stage. They qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup thanks to a dramatic stoppage time goal against Congo from the spot by Mohamed Salah. Egypt are yet to secure qualification to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In fact, they will face off against Senegal in the World Cup qualification playoffs. It's not great news for Liverpool fans as either Salah or Mane will miss one of the biggest sporting spectacles on the planet.
But if Salah can help Egypt secure qualification to the World Cup, that will be an extra feather in his cap.
#3 Win the Premier League Golden Boot
As things stand, Mohamed Salah is well on course to finish as the Premier League's top scorer. He has won the Premier League Golden Boot twice already in his career. Salah did it in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaigns with Liverpool.
He is currently the Premier League's top scorer by a country mile. Salah has scored 16 goals in the league from just 20 appearances. Diogo Jota comes second with just 10 goals.
The Egyptian international has been scoring goals for fun and his usual competition Harry Kane is nowhere to be seen in the top scorers chart. Unless Salah suffers a monumental dip in form and Jota or Jamie Vardy enjoy an incredible run, this one's all done and dusted.
Winning the Premier League Golden Boot ought to be a telling achievement in the race for the Ballon d'Or.
#2 Win UEFA Champions League Golden Boot
Liverpool were drawn into what was widely touted as the 'Group of Death' in the Champions League this term. In a group featuring Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Porto, Liverpool won all six of their group stage matches.
They couldn't have done it without Mohamed Salah, who has showcased great form in Europe's elite competition. The 29 year old has scored seven goals in six Champions League appearances so far this term.
He is currently third in the Champions League top scorers chart, behind Sebastian Haller (10) and Robert Lewandowski (9). Liverpool are expected to have a lengthy run in the Champions League and if Salah can keep scoring goals at a prolific rate, he might just outscore the competition.
#1 Win the UEFA Champions League
It wouldn't be the first time Salah has inspired Liverpool to the Champions League title now, would it? We've already seen him drag them over the finish line in the 2018-19 season after coming ever so close in the season prior.
Liverpool are an extremely hard side to beat in the Champions League. That's because it is always difficult to get the better of them at Anfield. As such, the Merseysiders are among the favorites to go onto win the Champions League this term.
Salah has already been a standout performer for them in the competition. If he can win the Champions League with Liverpool and can keep his form up, it's going to be hard to deny Salah the Ballon d'Or this year.
