I've played against Cristiano Ronaldo but Mo Salah and Liverpool were hell

The Ballon d'Or winner said Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the best he's ever faced, but he awarded Salah the crown in England ahead of Harry Kane, Virgil van Dijk and Cole Palmer.

"The talent and the understanding of the game," he said of Messi when asked by Gary Lineker on The Rest is Football podcast who the best he has faced is.

"I think the difference between Leo and the others is that he is the best everywhere.

"He could be the best defender. He is the smartest. He is the most intelligent player ever".

He gave credit to Ronaldo, 40 next year, for the 'longevity' he displayed battling alongside the Argentine for many years.

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He described Salah as a 'knife', one he will hope does not strike its target as Manchester City travel to Anfield to claw back some points in the title race.

It is evident that they severely miss the presence of Rodri who is out for the season after suffering an ACL injury against Arsenal in September.

When asked about his toughest Premier League opponents, he explained why Salah made life hell.

"My first year was the worst because we faced [a Liverpool team] that was unbelievable. I think they're the best team I've played in my career.

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Despite not being 'skilful like Neymar or Vini Jr' Salah in his prime was unlike any forward Rodri had seen, racking up crazy goal and assist numbers.

Arriving from Atletico Madrid in a £62.5m deal, in the 2019 summer transfer window, he learned quickly how tough Liverpool could be.

Jurgen Klopp and Guardiola's battles were epic as they clashed four times.

They may have seemed equal on the pitch, but the table told a different story.

Liverpool finished first on 99 points to win their first ever Premier League title, 18 points ahead of Man City.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool are on pace to hit 98 points only losing one match to Nottingham Forest and drawing to Arsenal.

Salah has resumed his top level of play some assumed had vanished after his struggling end to last season.

The 32-year-old has hit double figures already with 12 goals and 10 assists in 19 matches this campaign.

He is a major reason why Liverpool are so far ahead and could go 11 points clear of City if they win at Anfield.

Salah, though, may not be here for much longer.

His contract ends in the summer and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

"We are almost in December and I haven't received any offers yet to stay in the club," revealed Salah after a 3-2 win over Southampton. " I'm probably more out than in.

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"You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end it is not in my hands."

For City, meanwhile, Rodri's return can't come soon enough.