Mamadou Sakho is delighted to be sharing a dressing room with a character like Mario Balotelli, who gave him stick before even joining Liverpool.

The duo were captured in a superb snap during the Reds' pre-season tour of the United States, while the striker was still in AC Milan colours.

With matching hairstyles and stance, the pair were pictured sharing a few words and laughs as Liverpool recorded a 2-0 victory in the friendly.

Sakho revealed to Liverpoolfc.com that his relationship with our new No.45 preceded that game in Charlotte: "We had done some publicity together when I was still at PSG about three years ago, so we knew each other already back then.

"We spoke to each other at the ground [Bank of America Stadium] and the picture of us is very nice - looking at our matching haircuts and everything. He took the mickey out of me saying: 'So you speak English now?'"

It is not just Balotelli's effervescent personality that Sakho appreciates. The defender is a fan of the forward's phenomenal talent, which is he hoping reaches its full potential at Anfield.

"I think that Mario is a quality player. He is a young player, you mustn't forget that, and he has a lot of experience from playing at several large clubs," said the centre-back.

"Now, I think that Liverpool is certainly the club for him, because we have a very young team and he will be able to put all his talent on show with us.

"I hope that he gives his most to take this team to the top, as all players here do."