Benevento midfielder Oliver Kragl says he always knew Liverpool winger Sadio Mane was destined for success.

Kragl was playing with Austrian side SV Ried when he came up against Mane, then with RB Salzburg.

He told Goal: "I already saw where Sadio's career would go. He is exceptional. Fast, technically excellent and always knows where to position himself.

"It's normal that he is idolised in Liverpool. He is relaxed and polite. Expensive cars and watches don't matter to him and he donates a lot of money to his home country as he tries to help the people there. That shows the person he is."

Mane has made 161 appearances for Liverpool, during which he has scored 77 goals and provided 34 assists.