Former Liverpool winger Harry Kewell has claimed that Mohamed Salah should be a contender for the Ballon d'Or.

The Egyptian international has been in stellar form for the Reds, scoring 36 goals in all competitions, including 28 in the Premier League.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Real Madrid hero Cristiano Ronaldo have been throwing the Ballon d'Or back and forth over the last few years, but only the latter has scored more goals (37) than Salah this season.

"Salah has had a phenomenal season," Kewell told talkSPORT. "People are saying about Player of the Year, but I'd even go that next step.

"If he was to have a fantastic World Cup, gets a couple of goals and plays well, and then continues again next season, why not go for the Ballon d'Or? He's got the goals, I don't see why he couldn't win it."

Salah signed for Liverpool from Roma last summer.