Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah 'only aspires to score goals' and cannot offer the opportunities that fellow African Player of the Year nominee Riyad Mahrez provides for his team-mates at Manchester City, claims Samir Nasri.

Instantly naming Mahrez as the best current Arab player in the world, former City midfielder Nasri admitted he had reached his verdict 'because (Mahrez) is Algerian and I like his style of play.'

Nasri, who was born to French parents of Algerian descent, explained to Al Kass: 'I would prefer to evolve alongside Mahrez.

Former Manchester City winger Samir Nasri says Riyad Mahrez is the top current Arab player

Nasri admits he would rather play alongside Mahrez than Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah

'Mahrez is a collective player, while Salah is much more an individual player. He only aspires to score goals.

'I will not say that Salah is selfish but he runs behind goals and stats. Mahrez, meanwhile – you can play one-twos with him. He is a player with whom you can easily evolve.'

Salah has an incredible record, becoming the highest scorer in a 38-game Premier League season to win the division's golden boot with 32 goals in the 2017-18 season.

RIYAD MAHREZ VS MOHAMED SALAH: HOW THE PAIR COMPARE THIS SEASON MAHREZ SALAH Premier League: 5 goals, 4 assists

Champions League: 1 goal, 4 assists Premier League: 9 goals, 4 assists

Champions League: 4 goals, 2 assists

The Egypt striker shared the award last season, matching the 22 goals of Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane, who makes up the trio on the African Player of the Year shortlist.

Mane and Salah confronted each other in the visiting dressing room at Burnley on August 31 after the Senegal forward appeared to be angered by Salah's selfishness in failing to square a pass to him in front of goal.

Mahrez helped Algeria win the Africa Cup Of Nations in July, contributing a remarkable last-gasp free-kick that sealed their 2-1 semi-final win over Nigeria.

That was one of three goals he scored during the tournament, although he did not add any assists.

Salah has set up 23 goals in 101 appearances for Liverpool and former side Chelsea in the Premier League, while Mahrez has turned provider 35 times in 180 games for City and old club Leicester.

The Reds hitman is targeting a third consecutive African Player of the Year triumph when the winner is announced on January 7.