Former Southampton defender Franny Benali has praised Mohammed Salisu for his World Cup heroics.

Salisu has been impressive for Ghana as they attempt to qualify for the knockout rounds from their group, which includes Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea.

Salisu is the only Saints player who is at the World Cup, and he managed to score in the 3-2 win over South Korea recently.

“We did a bit of a recording session with Sali at the training ground," Benali explained to the Daily Echo.

“That's the first time I've met him face to face and wow, what a guy. Talking about good things and positive stuff and supporting great causes, you can just see he's a good person. As well as being one of our top defenders. It was really good to meet him.

“He's certainly fitter and sharper than I am these days, that's for sure! It's incredible to see these guys now. I was quite fit and strong and the fitness side of things was a big part of the way that I lived my life both on and off the pitch. I was maybe more of like a modern-day player back in my era when it wasn't quite so well known and practiced.

“But he's a top defender and I did say to him at one point 'I'm now the winger looking to take you on, Sali. Please don't kick me!' He did fulfill my wishes and was kind on me! He was pretty gentle. Top player, top guy, and it was a real pleasure to have met him."