Soccer fans across the globe are excited about the discussion. Mohamed Salah or Cristiano Ronaldo – who should make the all-time Premier League XI? On Sky Sports' Saturday Social, pundits Nieve Petruzziello and Lawrence Bury, known as 'Buvey', engaged in a spirited discussion that quickly went viral over the weekend. The conversation centered on the merits of selecting Salah or Ronaldo to join a formidable front three alongside Thierry Henry and Wayne Rooney.
To be compared to Cristiano Ronaldo in any way is an accolade in itself for the Liverpool ace. Salah’s put on some show-stopping displays in a Liverpool shirt. He has only been selected into the PFA team of the season twice in seven eligible seasons since joining the club. Further, he’s never ranked in the top three in the individual awards that are voted on by Premier League players themselves. Cristiano Ronaldo has exceeded expectations with his sensational return to the Premier League. He made five separate all-star lists in a six-year span, earning the much-coveted Ballon d’Or in 2008 (finishing second in voting the year before).
Nieve Petruzziello, representing Team Salah, argued that Mo Salah has been more consistent over a longer period of time than Ronaldo in the English top-flight. She even said that Salah is the best right-sided player the Premier League has ever known. Defending Team Ronaldo, Lawrence ‘Buvey’ Bury argued that beyond goals, Salah’s case falls flat. Buvey emphasized how much Ronaldo did outside of putting the ball in the back of the net. He exhibited a broad array of talents during his tenure at Manchester United.
The discussion even expanded to include other players who could make it into the all-time PL XI. Thierry Henry's inclusion was questioned, with some suggesting Alan Shearer, the competition's greatest goalscorer, as a more deserving candidate. The same time, David Beckham earned a nod as a candidate for the right wing spot, notice him winning pedigree.
Managerial influence was not overlooked, with Sir Alex Ferguson's legendary tenure at Manchester United adding weight to Ronaldo's case. Ferguson's guidance played a crucial role in Ronaldo's development into one of football's all-time greats.
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