Pharaoh's Architect - Mohammed Salah

Mohammed Salah will play a pivotal role; when Ghana host Egypt in the first leg, of the final round of World Cup qualifiers to Brazil 2014 on Tuesday at 1600GMT at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. WHO'S MOHAMMED SALAH? At age 21, the FC Basel forward has established himself as the talisman of the current Egypt National team and holds the magic wand to their success story under Coach Bob Bradley. He is an integral member of the Swiss club and one of the most promising youngsters in Europe. He won CAF's most promising player in the 2012 CAF awards. He participated in the FIFA U20 World Cup 2011 and Summer Olympics, London 2012 for his nation. He has netted 17 goals in 24 appearances for the Pharaohs and is currently the top scorer on the continent in the qualifying campaign for the Mundial tournament, with 6 goals. HIS STRENGTH: Mohammed Salah is a nimble-footed winger who enjoys playing on either flanks and never shy away when put behind the leadsman or even made the leadsman. He has an outstanding pace that outruns every lateral defender that comes his way. He enjoys taking on defenders due his unparalleled pace and flair. A resilient Chelsea defence were victimized when they faced FC Basel in the Champions League and Europa League 2013. He managed to score not less than two goals against such a club at both levels, all at Stamford Bridge, underlining his potency infront of goal. His passes are also worth noting. Ghana coach , Akwasi Appiah should be worried of how to deploy a style to tame this young Pharaoh who seems unstoppable from a first glance. HIS WEAKNESS: Mohammed Salah's bane has been his inability to make a wholesome impact without the ball. His tackles are not the best of a winger ,who's expected to track back and help when the need arises. In defence, he is the exact opposite negative of his strengths. However Bob Bradley gives him free role, implying; his lack of tracking back to defend or tackle, brings no harm to the Pharaohs of Egypt. Bob Bradley stated categorically clear the essence of Salah some months back in the team, with or without the ball. HOW IS HE NEUTRALIZED? Amid his unrivaled qualities in the Egypt side, Salah finds it tough competiting ruthless yet rugged man-markers. However defenders are always at the receiving end of cards from referees in such cases due to his nimble and pacy feet. Nevertheless , referees failure to overprotect him , leave him frustrated when matched with such opposition and ends up, reflecting the least of his capabilities in such games. Ghana Black Stars coach, now has another true gem with youthful exuberance apart from the experienced Mohammed Mohammed Abu Treika and the likes of Waed Goma to tame, in the person of Mohammed Salah 'The young Architect of the Pharaohs' . Indeed this match deserves the billing for the pick of the qualifying phase and truly, a match fit for the gods.