Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has heaped praise on Sadio Mane, describing the winger as "an absolute machine in every single game".

Mane is the front-runner for the PFA Player of the Year award this season, having directly contributed to 23 goals in 26 Premier League appearances to help Liverpool into a 25-point lead at the top of the table.

Redknapp chose Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne as his player of the year, but was effusive in his praise for Mane too.

"When they signed him from Southampton there were a few raised eyebrows, but he has just been incredible," he told Sky Sports News.

"He's made out of granite. He's so strong, he's brilliant in the air, he attacks the back post as well as anybody and he can finish off either foot. He is just a phenomenal player, great at playing off that side, where he'll put the ball into the frontman and Roberto Firmino will set him up.

"He is an absolute machine in every single game. He gets scrappy goals, great goals, he doesn't care, and that's what sets him apart."

Mane has scored 18 goals and created 12 more in 38 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions this season.