Former Liverpool star Naby Keita has outlined what sets ex-teammate Mohamed Salah apart from his peers as he described the forward's winning mentality.

The Egyptian winger has started the current campaign in sterling form with a staggering 19 goals and 15 assists from 25 outings so far this term. The 32-year-old has led the charge for Arne Slot's men as they currently top both the Premier League and Champions League standings at this stage of the season.

The Reds talisman notched a memorable strike on his most recent outing with typical left-footed finish from the right flank as he put the seal on a 3-1 victory over Leicester City on Boxing Day. Now, former teammate Keita has spoken of his admiration for the attacker as he looked back over his time working alongside the superstar at Anfield.

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The pair shared a dressing room between 2018 and 2023 during the successful Jurgen Klopp era on Merseyside which saw the club lift a clean sweep of major honors. Providing insight into Salah's dedication to cause during this storied period in the club's history, Keita spoke highly of his ex-teammate's commitment at the training ground.

"Mo Salah is the same, he is someone who loves to work," he told SportsBoom.com with his admiration for the Egyptian clear, as he continued: "During my time in Liverpool, when I come to the gym one hour before the training alongside [Sadio] Mane, you will always meet him there.

"At training sessions, if he tries to score goals and if he doesn’t score, he is not happy. So that is Mo Salah for you and he is always like that. He is a very big player, he always wants to win and he hates defeat, I think that’s his mentality."

The Guinean midfielder is currently plying his trade in Hungary with Ferencvaros, having made the temporary switch from Wolfsburg in the summer. The 29-year-old also paid tribute to Liverpool center-back Ibrahima Konate as he waxed lyrical about the Frenchman's abilities, saying: "As you already know, he is physically big, but above all, he is also technically good.

"He is a kid who has his head on his shoulders. He always tries to improve day by day. I have watched his matches lately and he has improved a lot. Despite the injuries, which are currently slowing him down. I pray for him, so that he avoids injuries, so that he can have a great career with Van Dijk."

Of his former club's chances of winning the Premier League title this season, Keita added: "It's very interesting, they are in a good dynamic. I believe that if they continue like this, they can make a surprise.

"But yes, I would say it's not a surprise because they deserve it. They are in great form and are playing a good football at the moment. And I hope that at the end of the Premier League season, they can win the title."