This comes after Salah grabbed a hat-trick as Liverpool FC hammered Manchester United 5-0 on Sunday and the world-class winger overtook Ivorian legend Didier Drogba to become the highest-scoring African player in the Premier League with 107 goals.

Having played for Everton FC, Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth FC, and Middlesbrough in the Premier League during his playing days, Nigerian legend Ayegbeni insisted that Salah is yet to eclipse Drogba, who achieved legendary status at Chelsea FC.

“You cannot say Salah is the greatest African to play in the Premier League. Drogba was something special because he was scoring for fun,” Ayegbeni told Goal.

“However, you have to give Salah the credit for breaking the big legend’s record, which makes him one of the greatest Africans in the English top-flight, but for now, he is certainly not the greatest.”

Drogba won four league titles and two Premier League Golden Boot awards during his time with Chelsea, while Salah has clinched two Golden Boot accolades and one league trophy with Liverpool.

Salah was on the books of Chelsea between 2014 and 2016, but he struggled to make an impact at the London-based club and Ayegbeni explained why the left-footed winger has flourished at Liverpool.

“When he came to Chelsea, he was quite young and was unable was shine because the Blues had several top stars at that time,” he continued.

“That was why he left for Fiorentina before moving to AS Roma. He did well in Italy, and he was signed by Liverpool.

“I think what is working for him now is that he understands the Premier League better than before. Also, his experiences outside England have been valuable for him,” he added.

“All the same, we have to applaud the Egyptian for his fine form because it is not easy to play the way he is doing that right now – which is incredible.”

Salah is placed at the top of the Premier League’s goalscoring charts with 10 goals as he looks to go all the way and clinch his third Golden Boot award this term. (African Football)

•PHOTO: Didier Drogba