WORLD CUP FOCUS: Belgium’s Roberto Martinez hails Mohamed Salah

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Monday Apr 02, 2018. 17:00

Current Belgium national team coach Roberto Martinez has praised Egypt and Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah’s progress in the English Premier League.

The former Everton manager has analysed Salah’s development with the Reds this season where he has netted 29 goals in 21 Premier League games.

Martinez was speaking ahead of their meeting against the Pharaohs in an international friendly on June 6 as they prepare for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Salah is currently one goal away from becoming the highest-scoring African in a single league campaign and was on the scoresheet for Jurgen Klopp’s men on Saturday against Crystal Palace.

“I think the big change is what he does in the box. I think Salah last year in Roma he was always a threat with his pace and his power,” Martinez explained.

“Now the difference is almost that composure he gets in the box. That composure from Salah, to be at the right place at the right time and then make the right call has been the big difference from the Salah we all saw a few seasons ago.

“I think that’s where Jurgen Klopp deserves huge credit to spot a player that wasn’t the finished article and make him what he is now.”

Meanwhile, Salah will shift his focus to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against EPL rivals and leaders, Manchester City on Wednesday.