Samuel Eto’o claims Liverpool stars Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah deserve The Best FIFA Men’s Player award more than Lionel Messi, Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi won the esteemed prize after a unanimous decision by coaches, captains and fans in Milan on Monday even though he lost the journalists’ vote to Reds’ defender Van Dijk.

Van Dijk guided Liverpool to Champions League glory with a series of solid defensive displays but Messi’s 51 goals in 50 games proved enough to see him get the nod to be crowned as the best player on the planet.

Prior to the result, Eto’o – who was present at the awards ceremony in Milan – was asked for his pick between Messi, Ronaldo and Van Dijk and instead suggested Sadio Mane or Mohammed Salah deserved to be honoured.

“The best one for me is Mohammed Salah or Sadio Mane,’ the former Chelsea, Barcelona and Inter Milan striker said.

‘But they’re not here,’ he added before walking away from the interview.

Brazilian Ronaldo thought Van Dijk deserved the award.

‘Maybe Van Dijk,’ he said. ‘He’s an incredible player and he did so well last year so I think he deserves it.’