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Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has named Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah as the most influential African footballer in the Premier League, Footynaija.com reports.
While acknowledging the impact of Manchester City legend Yaya Touré in England, Bassey fingers Salah as the greatest of his generation.
The Super Eagles defender also confessed that Salah is the toughest opponent he has come up against in the Premier League.
Speaking during a Sky Sports ‘Best Friend Test’ alongside Nigeria teammate Alex Iwobi, Bassey was asked to name the most difficult player he has faced. Iwobi guessed correctly, immediately pointing to Salah.
Bassey didn’t hesitate to explain why.
“Mohamed Salah is unbelievable. He’s such a baller. When you get dragged out to defend him, you’re in trouble,” the Fulham defender admitted.
“Obviously, when we play Liverpool, we usually go half man-for-man, so I’ll often face him directly. I’ve played against him twice, and he’s always a handful.”
Salah has a strong record against the Cottagers, scoring four goals in ten games against them, and his duels with Bassey are only just beginning. But for the Nigerian, it isn’t just about footballing ability. He believes Salah’s legacy goes far beyond goals.
“Salah is a three-time PFA Player of the Year, and what I will say is that he’s done some unbelievable things in the game,” Bassey continued.
“He’s also helped promote African football. I’m not saying Yaya Touré didn’t, but I feel like in this generation Salah has had a bigger global impact.”
After making 35 Premier League appearances for Fulham last season, Bassey has already featured in all five of the Cottagers’ league games this term.
