Former Liverpool midfielder Salif Diao says Sadio Mane can be the best player in the world.

The 26-year-old has emerged as arguably Jurgen Klopp's most important player of late, and has even emerged as a surprise transfer target for Real Madrid.

“I think he is up there, but sometimes - whether it is fair or not - the critics are saying he doesn't score enough goals," Diao told the Liverpool Echo.

“I think this year he is doing it more.

“Even though this year he is on 20 goals, I think he could have been on 24 or 25 goals if you look at some of the chances he missed at the beginning of the season.

“Of course, if we talk about Ballon d'Or, you talk about trophies and he needs to win trophies. He knows that.

“And whoever plays for Liverpool as well, as a club, they have been starving for years for trophies and now is the right time.

“Mane is on fire, Salah is on fire and now is a good time to bring a trophy back."