Samir Nasri has said he’d prefer to play with Riyad Mahrez than Mo Salah because the latter is more selfish and ‘only aspires to score goals.’

Look, before we start, I’ve nothing against either Mo Salah or Riyad Mahrez. I think both are excellent players but I think we all know it’s clear who the better player is and I don’t need to tell you which one.

I did, however, used to seriously dislike Samir Nasri, although I feel a bit sorry for him these days. It must be hard being such a dickweed so regularly.

Why is Nasri talking about Salah and Mahrez anyway?

The African Player of the Year ceremony is coming up and they’re both up for the men’s award, along with Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

As someone of Algerian descent, a journalist asked Nasri about the players.

Is it really that slow of a news day?

It was before the game, which is when I’m writing this, yes.

What did Nasri say?

Well, first he said he’d prefer to play alongside City’s Mahrez than Liverpool’s Salah.

And then what?

Then he explained, “Why? Because he [Mahrez] is Algerian and I also like his style of play.

“Mahrez is a collective player, while Salah is much more an individual player. He only aspires to score goals. I wouldn’t say Salah is selfish, but he runs after goals and statistics.

“Mahrez, meanwhile, you can play one-two with him. He is a player with whom you can easily develop.”

Is that true?

So far this season, Salah has seven assists while Mahrez has 10 in two games fewer. Salah has, however, scored 13 to Mahrez’s six, so perhaps Nasri is on to something.

Of course, assists don’t tell you everything and sometimes they don’t tell you anything at all. Kinda like this article.

In case you’re wondering, although you probably weren’t, Nasri is currently playing in Belgium with Anderlecht. He has two goals in nine games for them, averaging around 66 minutes per game this season.

He signed for the Jupiler Pro League outfit six months after being released by West Ham and is their captain under player/manager Vincent Kompany.

West Ham signed him following his 12-month doping ban, that was extended to 18 even though he was allowed to play during it.

Nasri turned out for the Hammers just six times, grabbing two assists while averaging 50 minutes-per-game.