We have to accept that Salah wasn't going feature in the top 3 ghis year as he was merely good rather great (by his unbelievable standarfs) last season and normally you have to win the big prizes to get it. Unless you are Messi in which case you got votes just for turning up.
Yes Messi is still brilliant and still had a great season in terms of goals, but nobody can tell me he was the standout candidate this year (or in 2019).
If Mo keeps this up, he is nailed on next year, but I'm sure he'll want the big trophies in his hand before then.