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Mo Salah can light up World Cup - Saeed Al-Owairan

Former Saudi Arabia international Saeed Al-Owairan believes Liverpool forward Mo Salah can star for Egypt at this year’s World Cup.

Salah has hit a remarkable 23 Premier League goals already this term and, with eight assists also to his name, has been directly involved in more goals than anyone else in the competition.

And Al-Owairan, who led Saudi Arabia into two World Cups, is confident Salah can lead the charge for the Arab teams in Russia.

"I’m an optimist and we have enough time to prepare properly for the World Cup,” he said as the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola arrived in Dubai.

“We have some clever players like Mohamed Salah who has shown some excellent performances with Liverpool, and many other players who are top professionals.

“The World Cup is an opportunity for them to raise their value and their reputations, but also to share their happiness with their countries.

“I expect the Arab teams will show good performances in this tournament.”

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Al-Owairan’s Saudi Arabia will meet Salah's Egypt in Group A, but not before kicking off the tournament against the hosts in the opening game, and Al-Owairan is hoping his nation make a good start.

“I think our group is great with Egypt and Russia and the result in our opening game will determine our future,” he said.

“We know that the beginning is always hard but we have to make a draw at least, and why not a win.”

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