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Brazilian magician backs former teammate at Liverpool to match Messi & Ronaldo’s levels

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By Thomas Hein

Former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho believes that Mohamed Salah and Neymar have it in them to become the best players at the World Cup in Russia and usurp Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Brazilian moved to Camp Nou in the winter window and helped them win La Liga and he knows about the playing style of both the players to comment on their talent.

As quoted by Express, the attacking midfielder said:

“It feels like the right moment for ­someone to take their chance at this World Cup.

“Messi and Ronaldo have been up there on their own for so many years. I think it may be time for other players to aspire to be the best in the world – and the best at this World Cup, too.

“For me, Salah and Neymar have serious chances to do that. It depends on how the tournament goes, of course, but they have the talent to do it. Those are the players I would pick out.”

Coutinho also believes that Salah will become a “hero” for Liverpool fans and that the Egyptian will do well in the World Cup.

“Watching Mo Salah since then has been amazing. He is going to be a player who will be a big hero at Liverpool for a long time, I am totally convinced of that.

“He can do well in the World Cup, too – it all depends on how far his team can go. But we also know what Neymar can bring. He is a special player.”

We all know that Salah was taken out of the Champions League final after a shoulder injury caused by Sergio Ramos and hopefully, he will have a chance to shine in Russia.

Coutinho has also spent a number of years with the Brazil national side and hence, he would know about Neymar as well. Surely, Salah will shine at the World Cup if he plays.