'Mohamed Salah Is The Closest To Lionel Messi We Have Seen'

Mohamed Salah has been named 'the best player in the world' by pundit Jamie O'Hara, who believes the Egyptian forward is 'the closest player' to Lionel Messi in football right now.

The 29-year-old, who has scored nine times in all competitions this season, netted one of the goals of the season in Sunday's dramatic 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Manchester City.

City midfielder Phil Foden, who was superb throughout, equalised for Pep Guardiola's side after Sadio Mane's opener but that goal was cancelled out when the inevitable Salah did this.

It was a special moment from a special player, and the football community waxed lyrically about his effort, including O'Hara, who has not held back in his praise.

"He's the best player in the world, for me, if you are looking at a player who is playing at the peak of his powers," the former Spurs midfielder told talkSPORT Breakfast.

"I can't look at anyone and say they are doing better than Mo Salah. Not only is he doing it in the Premier League, which is the best league in the world, but he's doing it in big games.

"That performance against Man City was outstanding. The individual brilliance, especially for his goal.

"He used his pace and skill for Mane's goal, but his goal was outstanding. He used all his attributes in one moment. Strength, quick feet, pace, power skill and then the finish with his weaker foot showed how good he was.

"This is a big statement... I think he's the closest thing to Lionel Messi we've seen, without being Lionel Messi.

"Since Messi's prime, if you are looking at another player who has come close in terms of player like Messi I would say Mo Salah."

After the full-time whistle, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said people will be talking about Salah's goal in '50 or 60 years' time.

"Only the best players in the world score goals like this," he said. "It was the first touch, the first challenge he wins, the going there and putting it on his right foot and finishing the situation off like he did. Absolutely exceptional," said Klopp.

"Because this club never forgets anything, people will talk about this goal for a long, long time, in 50, 60 years, when they remember this game.

"If Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo score that goal then the world says yes because it's world class. He is one of the best players in the world, that's how it is."

Do you think Salah is the best player in world football? If not, who is?

Let us know in the comments.