Carragher made this known following Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Liverpool defender and football pundit, Jamie Carragher, has insinuated that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is not in the class of the Euros or Copa America.
He made this known on Sunday, following Liverpool’s 2-0 win over English Premier League (EPL) Champions, Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
During the encounter, Egypt striker, Mohamed Salah, continued his stunning form this season with a goal and an assist for Dominik Szobozslai.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Carragher suggested that Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or this year could be hindered by the fact that AFCON isn’t a major tournament.
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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.”
Countering Carragher’s claims, former Manchester City defender, Micah Richards, said, “Just to say, AFCON is a major tournament because a lot of people are at home saying ‘they aren’t taking it seriously’. AFCON is a big tournament, just so you know.”
Carragher doubled down on his earlier argument asking Richards if Egypt would be contenders for the World Cup. He went on to say only the biggest international competitions can influence the Ballon d’Or race.
Joining the debate, ex-England striker, Daniel Sturridge shut down the argument saying, “If you win the Euros or Copa America, it’s deemed to be big, so the AFCON is on the same level.”
