Peter Crouch has hailed Sadio Mane as "different class" following Liverpool's 4-3 win over Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League.
The Senegal international has fast emerged as one of world football's leading attacking talents since forming a lethal partnership with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Mane opened his account in this year's Champions League with a well-taken goal against the Austrian side, taking his tally for this term to seven goals and one assist in all competitions.
Reacting to Mane's performance against Salzburg, Crouch told BT Sport: "I don't care what he says, there is definitely healthy competition between him and Salah for goals now.
"I just think he has improved his all-round game. He is obviously incredibly fast, strong and pacey but sometimes he was a little wasteful. He is different class now."
Mane, who moved to Anfield for £30m in 2016, has claimed 66 goals in 133 games for the Reds, with a career-best tally of 26 coming during Liverpool's triumphant European campaign last season.
The 27-year-old will be hoping to add to that total as Liverpool resume Premier League action against Leicester City at Anfield this weekend.
