Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has downplayed the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations as a major tournament.
Carragher made this claim after the Reds secured a 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
Egyptian star Mohamed Salah maintained his exceptional form this season, scoring a goal and providing an assist for Dominik Szoboszlai at the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher suggested that Salah’s nationality and Egypt’s limited achievements on the international stage might hurt his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or this year.
He said: “I think the problem [is] the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning.
“I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament.
“Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr and (Kylian) Mbappe right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League.”
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Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards fired back at Carragher, stating, “Just to clarify, AFCON is a major tournament. Many people at home are saying, ‘they aren’t taking it seriously,’ but AFCON is a significant competition, just so you’re aware.”
In response, Carragher questioned whether Egypt would be contenders for the World Cup, arguing that only the most prestigious international tournaments impact the Ballon d’Or race.
Meanwhile, former England striker Daniel Sturridge dismissed this notion, asserting, “If winning the Euros or Copa America is considered a big achievement, then AFCON deserves the same level of respect.”
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