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Gary Lineker believes that Mohamed Salah has to be in contention for the Ballon d'Or(Image: PA)

Gary Lineker says that Mohamed Salah "has to be" in the running for this year's Ballon d'Or.

The 'Egyptian King's 28 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League this season thus far have been imperative in Liverpool claiming the title with four games to spare.

And Lineker believes that he should be brought into conversation when the award is handed out later this year.



Yes, they've got a Classico coming up, but they've got a four-point gap so they should be able to hang on, even if they lose that game.

"I think it's probably brought one or two more players into the equation, possibly even Mohamed Salah - what he's done this season, definitely has to be in contention.

It also counts what you've won." According to the UEFA website, players are selected for the Ballon d'Or by an international jury of journalists on their individual performances, decisive and impressive character, team performances and achievements, and class and fair play.

Mohamed Salah has been in incredible form this season(Image: Getty Images)

The site adds: "Each juror selects ten players in descending order of merit from a list of 30 established by the editorial staff of France Football, members of the editorial staff of L'Équipe, the best juror from the previous edition [SIC] and UEFA ambassadors Luís Figo for the men's trophy and Nadine Kessler for the women's trophy.

"The ten selected players are awarded 15, 12, 10, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 point respectively.

The Ballon d'Or is awarded to the player with the highest number of points."

It's been an incredible season for Salah both in terms of individual and team performance.

Despite enjoying a highly-decorated career in terms of team accolades, the Ballon d'Or is one award that Salah has never received.

The Ballon d'Or trophy(Image: Getty Images)Article continues below

However, a sole Premier League title and top goal-scorer award may not be enough to sway the panel in Salah's way this year either, with Liverpool missing out on the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Champions League, while other players overseas have impressed equally in their own endeavours.

For instance, Manchester City star Rodri was awarded last year's Ballon d'Or after a whirlwind season, in which he clinched a Premier League title and a European Championship with Spain.
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