Barcelona great sympathises completely with defenders forced to face Chelsea’s ‘one who got away’

Carles Puyol has offered some immense praise for Chelsea flop Mohamed Salah, insisting that he felt for defenders who had to deal with the Egypt international.

Speaking in Cairo during his weekend trip to the North African nation—quotes as per King Fut—the former Barcelona defender praised the AS Roma attacker, identifying him as the nation’s best talent.

“Salah is the best Egyptian and Arabic player I know,” Puyol began. “I feel what defenders feel when they have to deal with these kinds of talented players.”

Incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte—a deep admirer of the Italian game—may well agree with the iconic defender.

Salah moved to Stamford Bridge from FC Basel in 2014, but struggled to establish himself at the club, moving first on loan to Fiorentina and then to Roma.

He ultimately made just 13 appearances for the Pensioners in the Premier League, scoring twice, before moving permanently to the Giallorossi earlier this season.

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The North African scored 14 goals and contributed six assists in 34 league outings under Rudi Garcia and then Luciano Spalletti as the capital club secured Champions League qualification after a top-three finish in Serie A.

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