Was Ibn Taymiyyah a follower of Imam Hanbali path? Were Salafis before Ibn Taymiyyah?

Re: Was Ibn Taymiyyah a follower of Imam Hanbali path? Were Salafis before Ibn Taymiy

To Salafies, how can you prove that Salafi is right. I am not saying they are either wrong or right. I just want them to prove themselves and Jazakallah Khair.