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Troy Deeney has defended himself against accusations that he holds an agenda against Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
The former Watford striker has faced a backlash after his take on why Salah could be overlooked for the Ballon d’Or despite leading the Reds' Premier League title charge with a staggering tally of goals and assists.
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Troy Deeney received criticism for his comments on Mo SalahCredit: talkSPORT
The Egyptian has directly contributed to over 50 goals this season - scoring 30 goals in 39 games in all competitions, while also providing 22 assists.
Unsurprisingly, Salah has been thrust into the mix for this year's Ballon d’Or and many believe a successful end to the season with Liverpool could see the 32-year-old crowned the first African winner of the award since George Weah in 1995.
Deeney had previously gone on record saying he does not believe Salah is world class, although conceded the Egyptian is a contender to scoop the 2025 Golden Ball.
However, a clip of Deeney explaining why Salah might be overlooked for the gong has gathered traction online and triggered more than a few angry responses.
Read more on Liverpool
He said: "Salah wasn’t in the top ten in the African [Player of the Year] votes.
I just feel like he’s harshly treated because when you watch Mo Salah, he’s great and his numbers are sensational but he doesn’t make you feel like a Thierry Henry or an Eden Hazard.
That goes against him.
"His numbers are fantastic and his consistency is unbelievable, but at this moment in time he doesn’t make you give you that warm feeling inside, like: 'Oh my God, look at how great and gracious this person is'.
“That is what unfortunately is holding him back.”
Deeney’s comments sparked a reaction from former footballer and passionate Liverpool fan Adebayo Akinfenwa, who responded in a video posted on his social media accounts.
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“Where is this narrative that Mo Salah is not gracious?,” he said “We’re talking about current Mo Salah.
“What is not gracious about Mo Salah bringing down the ball from a 60-yard goal kick while a player’s marking him?
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Salah is in a league of his own this season having fired Liverpool to the cusp of the titleCredit: AFP
“What is not gracious about Mo Salah’s vision?
He does what he does and he says what he says,” Deeney said of Akinfenwa.
“My point is, when I say gracious, there’s a very limited amount of people in your whole footballing career where you watch and you’re like, ‘Oh my God’.
“Eden Hazard in his pomp at Chelsea when he was dropping the shoulder and going past people, there were times you were just like, ‘How is he doing that?’
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Deeney says watching Salah doesn't excite him like when he watched Hazard tear the Premier League apart in a Chelsea shirtCredit: AFP
“There are a lot of time where Salah can control a ball relatively easily, misses it and it runs out of play.
“There have been games this season where he’s been poor, scores and everyone forgets about it.
Read More on talkSPORT
"I don’t have an agenda against Mo Salah.
I think Salah’s going to win everything, he’s been excellent this year.
"But when I look at him he doesn’t give me that warm, fuzzy feeling.”
Troy Deeney doubles down on 'world-class' Mohamed Salah claim and names Liverpool star's one weakness
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