Man City legend Yaya Toure claims two players sold by Liverpool are now the world's best in their position

Former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has claimed that two ex-Liverpool forwards are now among the world's best in their position.

Speaking to ESPN, Toure - who now works as an academy coach at Tottenham Hotspur - listed ex-Liverpool stars Raheem Sterling and Sadio Mane alongside former Manchester City teammate Leroy Sane as the best three left wingers in world football:

"Three best left wingers? Okay if you go left, Leroy [Sane], Raheem Sterling, love it, and Sadio Mane.” stated Toure.

Toure's choices have surprised fans, given the struggles endured by both Sterling and Mane since their high-profile moves to Chelsea and Bayern Munich during last summer's transfer window.

Bayern 'expected more' from Sadio Mane

Mane got off to a fast start in Munich, scoring three goals in his opening three Bundesliga matches as Bayern looked set to race towards yet another domestic crown.

However things have slowed down for the Senegalese forward since then, with the 30-year-old having failed to score for the Bundesliga outfit since October.

Reports from the German capital suggest that Bayern have been left disappointed by the return of the former Liverpool favourite.

Sport1 journalist Kerry Hau claimed Bayern's staff expected more of Mane, who is 'losing too many one and one duels' while he also noting that the attacker is lacking the 'speed and explosiveness' that made him one of the world's best during his time in the Premier League.

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta a 'huge fan' of Sterling

Raheem Sterling has also struggled for form since his move to Chelsea in the summer, having netted just four times since his move to Stamford Bridge.

Hindered by injuries and a change of manager, the 28-year-old appears to have slipped down the pecking order at Chelsea, with reports linking Premier League leaders Arsenal with a move for the English winger.

According to 90min, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is a 'huge fan' of Sterling and is interested in signing the Englishman in preparation for Arsenal's expected involvement in next season's UEFA Champions League.