Oleksandr Zinchenko reveals that Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is the toughest player he has played against. Zinchenko have engaged in a number of clashes with the Egyptian winger over the years, while playing for Manchester City and currently with Arsenal. The Ukrainian, who usually plays as a left-back, has to frequently face Mo Salah while playing against Liverpool. Therefore, Zinchenko’s remark may not have surprised you after Rio Ferdinand questioned him to pick the hardest opponent he’s ever played against on his FIVE YouTube channel.
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Zinchenko picks Mo Salah as his toughest opponent
“I think it’s Salah” said the Ukrainian left back replying to Rio Ferdinand’s question.
“With all my respect to the rest, to Riyad [Mahrez] as well because I played against him at Leicester. He’s [Salah] an absolutely explosive and unstoppable winger” says Arsenal defender Zinchenko.
Zinchenko further adds that “What Liverpool did so well, especially when [Gini] Wijnaldum was there, because Wijnaldum is more like box-to-box. Community Shield game against Liverpool [in 2019], penalties, we won that game. Mikel [Arteta] was still there and I went to the dressing room at half-time and said ‘Mikel, what do I need to do with this? [Virgil] Van Dijk on the ball, he’s playing on the left-side on the right foot, without pressure, he does first touch, Wijnaldum runs behind between me and [Nicolas] Otamendi, I need to protect inside, Salah drops wide, the ball to feet and the distance between me and Salah, 50 meters. Imagine his pace against me, I’m finished. What do I need to do, there was like five balls like this in a row.”
“He said, ‘the only one way is to ask Raz (Sterling) who was playing on the left, to come to drop a bit lower to leave Trent. If you stay with Salah it’s a big gap for Wijnaldum. And when Mo is receiving the ball at his feet and he gets the pace… it’s impossible, impossible.” Zinchenko says about the incisive runs of Salah which were tough to defend against.
Arsenal’s left-back emphasises the importance of Salah-Wijnaldum duo in 2019 Liverpool squad
The Egyptian has been essential to the club’s massive success in 2019. During his time under Klopp, he has achieved every success with the Reds. Hence It is no secret that Egyptian King of Liverpool ranks as one of this generation’s most challenging opponents. His achievements speak for themselves, and he consistently appears to be a step ahead of rivals regardless of his age. However, the entire football community frequently fails to give Salah the credit he truly deserves. It’s wonderful to hear him acknowledged occasionally as a result. It’s also fascinating to hear Zinchenko discuss how Wijnaldum made Salah more challenging to play against. Gini is another under-rated star whose efforts frequently went unnoticed. However this time Zinchenko just emphasises how essential he was in Liverpool’s success in 2019.
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