'This might be the best version of Salah'

Mohamed Salah was not nominated in the top 30 for the Ballon d'Or this year.

According to the votes, at least 30 footballers have enjoyed a better calendar year than the Liverpool forward.

Nonsense, obviously. Right now, Salah is arguably the best footballer in the world and definitely the Premier League's number one.

Liverpool's number 11 registered a goal and an assist against Aston Villa on Saturday, meaning he has hit double figures in both metrics already this season.

His finish to secure the 2-0 victory that took the Reds five points clear at the top was so typical of him.

He exploited space down the right, beelined towards goal and managed to make time stop for a fleeting moment before shooting, which confused Emiliano Martinez and sat the goalkeeper on the ground.

The Egypt international is so composed in front of goal. He is so creative outside of the box.

Salah is 32 years old, but this might just be the best version of him - less obsessed with scoring goals but equally good at it.

He provides for his attacking team-mates. It does not feel like he is competing with them like he did sometimes with Sadio Mane. That is because he knows he is the main man.

Liverpool simply cannot replace Salah because there is no right winger available even half as good as him.

It has been a brilliant start to the season but getting the legend to pen new terms before Christmas will be the icing on the cake.

Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop