Mohamed Salah really has been a phenomenon for Liverpool in 2017/18.

The summer signing from Roma has defied all expectations, with 21 Premier League goals already to his name in the early stages of February.

What is even more impressive is that seven of those strikes have come in games against the 'top six', four more than any other player this season.

Against Tottenham on Sunday, he was far and away the best player on the pitch, scoring a Lionel Messi-esque goal in injury-time which was worthy of winning any game.

Sadly for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, Harry Kane scored a controversial penalty shortly after meaning they had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Nevertheless, Salah got all the plaudits for yet another tremendous display which further highlighted why Real Madrid are being rigorously linked with the African Player of the Year.

The links with the Spanish giants will continue to come thick and fast, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher dropping a worrying potential comparison with Salah and current Los Blancos superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo.

CARRA SPEAKS NOTHING BUT SENSE

Speaking to talkSPORT, Carragher said: “Well, fingers crossed. He’s only just arrived so we want to enjoy him for as long as we can.

“There’s no doubt when you are a player that good, it’s not just Liverpool’s problem - it’s any club’s problem if Real Madrid or Barcelona ever come for one of your players.

“Let’s not forget [Cristiano] Ronaldo when he was possibly the best player in the world left Manchester United; he left when Manchester United were still playing European Cup finals.

“It’s very difficult, and in some ways you have to just accept it and try and get the biggest fee you can possibly get - as Liverpool did with Coutinho.

“I’d expect Salah to be at the club for the next few years.

“The contract that he signed and the position Liverpool are in with Coutinho just going, they can’t afford to let another big name player go.”

It's a valid point, with success at Liverpool probably not enough to keep Salah away from Real Madrid's tractor beam.

Liverpool will, of course, be desperate to keep hold of him, but as we've seen with Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Cesc Fabregas and Luis Suarez in recent years, Premier League sides usually bow to the demands of Spain's big two - in the end.