Salah, Ronaldo And Messi On UEFA Champions League Awards’ Shortlist

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool FC would be aiming to win the Best Forward award for those who played in the Champions League last season, along side regulars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, UEFA announced on Thursday.

With Real Madrid winning a third consecutive European crown last season, Ronaldo, who won the award last year, topped the goalscoring charts with 15 goals in the competition.

With Liverpool’s Salah trailing with ten goals and four assist, the Egyptian was exceptional last season, while FC Barcelona’s Messi netted six goals.

The best defender is sure to be from Real Madrid with their trio of Marcelo, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane the only names shortlisted for the award.

Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, both of Real Madrid would be competing with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne for the midfielder award.

New Liverpool signing Alisson has also been nominated in the best goalkeeper category.

He will compete for the honour with Real Madrid’s Costa Rica international Keylor Navas and Italian Gianluigi Buffon, who completed a switch from Juventus to Paris St Germain (PSG) last month.

The winners will be announced during the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco on Aug. 30.

The nominees were selected by a jury of 32 coaches from last year’s UEFA Champions League participants and 55 journalists chosen by the European Sports Media group. (NAN)