With Sadio Mane continuing to receive praise from the highest of places, the Senegal superstar has now been backed to compete with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or award.
Mane was involved in Senegal's 1-1 draw with Brazil last Thursday, winning the penalty from which the African nation scored their equalising goal.
Following that match, Brazil star and Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva lavished praise on the Liverpool forward.
"He moves very fast, controls the ball well and is very intelligent in his movements."
The 35-year-old also admitted he has been so impressed by Mane that he believes he deserves to be considered as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or award this year.
"With what he has achieved this year, I think he deserves to be in the discussion for the Ballon d'Or," Silva added.
Mane is one of the nominees for the award alongside Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
