Mohamed Salah accused of 'ghosting' in Liverpool's Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle as fans question his Ballon d'Or credentials

Salah has had a stellar season for the Premier League champions in waiting, but he was a mere shadow of his best self at the home of football. The Ballon d'Or candidate failed to register a shot, completed just 13 passes and did not create a single chance. His lack of influence in a cup final has led to fans on social media questioning whether he is worthy of the prestigious individual award.

One user, @Dazzler_m on X (formerly Twitter), joked: "We’ve seen more of Ant and Dec than Salah."

Another, @Priceless_MCI, added: "Mo Salah has never turned up in any final always ghosting, it’ll be a sad day for football if he wins the Ballon d'Or."

@Luke_MCFC believes the Egyptian does not turn up in the big moments. He said: "The last week has summed up why Mo Salah can not be in ballon d’or conversations or put in the all time great category. He is simply not good enough when it matters."

Elsewhere, @UtdEIIis says Salah should not be the benchmark when it comes to the best players in the world. He posted: "If Salah is the best footballer in the world then this sport is absolutely finished."

Finally, @StopThatXavii paired the winger with a Real Madrid superstar when voicing his criticism. He said: "Salah and Vinicius have to be the worst footballers ever to get Ballon d’Or shouts."

A damning stat has followed Salah out of Wembley following the defeat. For the first time in his Liverpool career, the 32-year-old neither attempted a shot nor created a chance in a match where he played 90+ minutes. Liverpool did manage to pull a late goal back and put a bit of pressure on Newcastle in the dying moments, but they could have done with their talisman in his prolific form that has seen him bag 32 goals across all competitions.

Salah will get some much-needed rest as players head away for the international break now. When he returns, there is no doubt the Premier League's top scorer will have a bee in his bonnet as Liverpool look to see out their title charge.