Ahead of the much-anticipated clash between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield, Mohamed Salah made a rare and surprising confession about United’s defense. In an interview, the Egyptian forward admitted that the one player he genuinely fears facing isn’t Harry Maguire — but Matthijs de Ligt. Salah explained that while he has competed against some of the best defenders in modern football, including Saliba, Gabriel, and Rúben Dias, de Ligt stands out because of his “old-school defensive instinct” — a blend of strength, intelligence, and fearlessness rarely seen in today’s game.
Salah’s remarks quickly stirred debate among fans and pundits, coming right before one of the most important fixtures of the Premier League season. De Ligt’s form since joining Manchester United has been steadily improving, largely due to manager Ruben Amorim’s tactical influence. Under Amorim, the Dutch center-back has rediscovered the commanding presence that once made him a rising star at Ajax. His partnership with Lisandro Martínez has brought new solidity and leadership to a defense that previously struggled with inconsistency.
Football analysts have noted that Amorim’s defensive philosophy — compact pressing, early duels, and controlled aggression — suits de Ligt’s natural strengths perfectly. Former United players have praised his transformation, describing him as “reborn” and calling him the true general of United’s backline. Salah’s respect, they argue, stems from de Ligt’s calmness under pressure and his ability to read the game better than most of his peers. Still, others suspect that Salah’s words might not be pure admiration, but a form of mind game — a psychological tactic before the big match.
Gary Neville offered his perspective on Sky Sports, suggesting that Salah might be playing a clever psychological card. By publicly praising de Ligt, he could be adding extra pressure on the defender or shifting media attention away from Liverpool’s tactics. Whether it’s strategy or sincerity, Salah’s acknowledgment has undoubtedly elevated de Ligt’s reputation — proof that even one of the world’s most dangerous forwards recognizes his impact.
United’s defensive improvement this season has been striking, with de Ligt at the center of it all. Unlike Maguire’s deeper positioning, de Ligt plays proactively — stepping forward to close gaps and intercept threats early. His partnership with Martínez has given United both balance and aggression. This newfound stability means Liverpool’s front line of Salah, Núñez, and Díaz will face a defense that’s far tighter and more coordinated than in past encounters. Analysts predict that Salah vs. de Ligt could be the key duel deciding Sunday’s result.
As the football world braces for the Anfield showdown, excitement is at a fever pitch. Fans on both sides have been buzzing online — some applauding Salah’s honesty, others seeing it as a sign of respect for Amorim’s progress at United. The upcoming battle promises passion, pride, and tactical brilliance. If de Ligt can neutralize Salah, United might escape Anfield with a crucial result. But if the Egyptian magician breaks through early, the roaring crowd could turn the tide in Liverpool’s favor. Either way, this duel is shaping up to be one for the ages.
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