Former Liverpool star Luis Garcia is convinced Mohamed Salah has the ability to win the Ballon d'Or.

Garcia feels the 25-year-old can break the decade-long stranglehold that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have had on the world-player-of-the-year accolade if he can fire Liverpool to Champions League glory in Kiev next month.

Garcia told the Mirror: “Salah has been incredible. He has been the best player in the Premier League this year and if Liverpool win the Champions League then he surely must be there for the Ballon d'Or.

“Why not? He has been sensational this season – not just with his goals but with the way he works with his team-mates.

“Messi and Ronaldo have been the best for so long now, but I think Salah can challenge them.

“I am not saying he will win it. But, yes, if Liverpool win in Europe then he has to be in with a chance.

“He's had an amazing year, not just for Liverpool but also for Egypt.

“The Ballon d'Or is for players who win the big trophies – and that means winning the Champions League."