Alberto Aquilani says Mohamed Salah's success with Liverpool is down to his unrelenting work ethic.

Aquilani, a former Liverpool midfielder, noticed Salah's talent many years ago during their brief spell together in Serie A with Fiorentina.

"It was unbelievable. He was a player on another level, but also as a guy, a man," the 37-year-old told the Liverpool Echo of Salah. "In the game, he was good. But in the training, he was unbelievable. He was unstoppable.

"Maybe it is easier in Italy. More space. But he confirms in England he is one of the best players in the world.

"We could see he was good. We could feel he was good. Probably not like now, but we felt he was a very, very good player."