AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini has admitted to being surprised by the goal-scoring exploits of prolific youngster Stephan El Shaarawy.

The 20-year-old has notched 13 goals in 16 appearances this season, in what has been an otherwise uninspiring campaign for the Rossoneri.

Massimiliano Allegri's men find themselves in seventh place, trailing third-placed Napoli by nine points, but Maldini believes that El Shaarawy has been a shining light.

The 44-year-old, who spent his entire 19-year career with his boyhood club, described the Italian international as an all-round forward.

"El Shaarawy has shown great class," Maldini told Tuttosport. "He is a modern player because he works in both phases, attack and defence.

"He is proving to be a relentless goalscorer. I did not expect so much from him."

When asked who he thought would be challenging for the Scudetto at the end of the season, Maldini replied: "It's a three-way fight between Juventus, Inter and Napoli."

When asked about his former team's problems this season, Maldini replied: "The Rossoneri were not capable of much earlier this season.

"The changes during the off-season were enormous in terms of men, players and personalities. They have required a little bit of patience, that's all."

Maldini won 126 caps for Italy.