‘Hundred percent ready’ – Chibuike Nwaiwu reveals what it will take to stop Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor

Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has warned his teammates that there is no room for complacency when facing Mohamed Salah, insisting defenders must be completely focused to contain the Liverpool legend.

Salah joined the Turkish Super Lig club after ending his illustrious spell in the Premier League, where he scored 257 goals. The Egyptian has already wasted little time making his mark at Trabzonspor, scoring twice to underline the threat he continues to pose in front of goal.

Nwaiwu, who could find himself tasked with helping to stop the experienced forward in training and matches, believes Salah’s quality makes him almost impossible to neutralise without total concentration.

“Every player who plays against Salah needs to be very prepared,” Nwaiwu told Haber61.

“As a defender, I would like to play against Salah. If I’m going to play against him, I need to be 100% ready and completely focused. Because Salah is not a player you can easily take out of the game. He has very high quality.”

Nwaiwu relishing Salah challenge

The Nigerian defender sees facing Salah as an opportunity rather than something to fear, but knows the smallest defensive lapse could prove costly against one of the most accomplished forwards of his generation.

Salah’s pedigree speaks for itself after years of starring in England and producing decisive moments at the highest level. His arrival in Turkey has consequently generated considerable attention, with expectations high that he can continue delivering goals for his new club.

Nwaiwu’s comments reflect the challenge facing Trabzonspor’s defenders as they attempt to cope with a player capable of changing a game in an instant.

Salah already making impact

The 34-year-old forward signed a two-year contract worth £280,000 per week and has already featured three times for Trabzonspor this season.

His immediate impact, highlighted by his brace, has strengthened the belief that his scoring instincts have followed him from the Premier League to Turkey.