'Enormous quality': Granit Xhaka raves about 'fantastic' Liverpool player ahead of tonight's CL clash
Today at 03:00 AM
Liverpool are set to host Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield later today as they aim to continue their perfect record in the UEFA Champions League under Arne Slot.
Having already notched up victories against AC Milan, Bologna and RB Leipzig, the Reds can take a major step towards the knockout stages with a win against the reigning Bundesliga champions.
Xabi Alonso’s return to Anfield is an intriguing subplot in the game, while Granit Xhaka is also set to return to England after his eventful spell with Arsenal before returning to Germany.
And the Swiss midfielder has singled out Mohamed Salah for special praise ahead of the crunch Champions League clash.
Granit Xhaka says Mohamed Salah is already a Liverpool legend
Salah has been in fine form this season and scored a fantastic winning goal last weekend to spearhead Liverpool to a 2-1 win against Brighton & Hove Albion.
After the game, Slot praised Salah’s ‘special’ goal against the Seagulls as his curling effort took Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 1 | LiverpoolLiverpool | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 6 | 13 | 25 |
| 2 | Man CityManchester City | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 21 | 11 | 10 | 23 |
| 3 | Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 19 |
| 4 | ChelseaChelsea | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 18 |
Key:
Position 1 – 4 : Champions LeaguePosition 5 : UEFA Europa League
Position 18 – 20 : Relegation
The Egyptian is expected to take centre stage later today and Xhaka believes he and his Leverkusen teammates have their work cut out for them to keep him at bay,
"He’s got enormous quality, said Xhaka at a press conference ahead of the game.
“I remember he went from Basel, Chelsea, Rome and now Liverpool, he has developed and is fantastic in front of goal. He is now a legend. We’ll have to be at our best to stop him.”
Both players played for Basel early in their careers but weren’t teammates as Xhaka left to join Borussia Monchengladbach the summer Salah joined the Swiss giants from Al Mokawloon.
Salah’s stats this season
Salah is wanted by Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal as his contract runs out at the end of the current season.
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Mins played |
| Premier League | 10 | 7 | 5 | 876′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 3 | 1 | 2 | 243′ |
| EFL Cup | 2 | 1 | – | 50 |
However, he continues to do the talking on the pitch despite his uncertain future, notching up nine goals in all competitions under the new manager.
