Egyptian national team manager Carlos Queiroz has no doubt in his mind that Mohamed Salah is currently the best player in world football - but worries how Cristiano Ronaldo will react to that statement.
Quieroz, appointed as Egypt's new coach in September, previously served as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant manager at Manchester United during the 2002/03 season before returning for a second stint between 2004 and 2008.
His latter spell coincided with Ronaldo's time at Old Trafford and the Portuguese pair developed a close relationship as United enjoyed success in the early 2000s.
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Now experiencing what it is like to work with another elite talent, Quieroz has hammered home the belief held by many that Salah is outshining every player on planet at the moment.
“Probably you agree with me that in our team we have the best player on the planet at the moment," the 68-year-old told reporters at a press conference
But he playfully added: "If my friend Cristiano Ronaldo listens to this, he will be upset!"
The Pharaohs are considered one of the favourites to prevail as champions at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, and the boss will be hoping Salah can replicate his club form for country.
Liverpool's attacker has scored a remarkable 23 goals in 26 appearances this season, as well as producing nine assists, and is likely to hold the key to any hopes of success at the tournament.
Confident that the Reds forward will provide a 'winning mentality' to the team, Quieroz has made clear that his side have what it takes to go all the way.
“We are not going to AFCON to take a walk, we are going to win. To do that, we need a winning mentality,” he explained.
"Mohamed Salah has that and he can instill that in the team. He is the best player in the world right now, and with that comes belief and confidence.
“We are a team, not one player. We build a team. But we build it with the best player in the world included, and that brings the right mentality into the team.”
