Andy Robertson believes Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah is currently one of the best players in world football, but admits it will take some time for him to emulate Lionel Messi.

Messi - along with Cristiano Ronaldo - have both been at the pinnacle of football for over a decade. Their individual dominance of the sport is represented by the Ballon D'Or award - given to the best player in the world for the season - which has been won by either player since 2007.

Salah's 36 goals across all competitions - including 28 in the Premier League - certainly places him amongst the world's elite, but Robertson believes the Egyptian needs to continue his form season after season to be mentioned alongside Messi.

"Messi has been doing it for years," Robertson said.

"Mo has had a great career but I think now he is really hitting his peak and he has still got youth on his side.

"Hopefully if he can keep doing it he will be in that bracket but I don't think you can argue that there probably isn't anyone better in the world than him just now.

"He needs to keep going and next season will be big for him because everybody will be expecting it. If he can kick on from here then I think he will be [unquestionably regarded as] one of the best players in the world."

The Reds left-back added:"He's easier to play with than against.

"In training, I think everyone dreads it [coming up against him] but just now, I think he's one of the best in the business and nobody can deny that."