Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has tipped striker Mohamed Salah to win this season's PFA Player of the Year award.
The Reds boss said that the free-scoring Egyptian hitman "100% deserves" the accolade but admitted that Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne is also a strong candidate.
"As his manager, I think Mo would deserve it 100%," Klopp told the club's official website. "I'd say, 'come on, prove it by playing at this level for the rest of the season'.
"But if I said now that Kevin De Bruyne should have no chance, I'd be lying. Both players have played an outstanding season, scoring goals and creating chances – which is what everyone wants to see.
"I am happy that I don't have to make this decision."
Salah has found the net 29 times in 31 Premier League appearances this season, while De Bruyne has contributed 20 assists and scored 11 goals.
The two players will line up on opposite sides of the park when City travel to Anfield for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Liverpool on Wednesday.
Mark Langshaw
