Mane quickly became Liverpool’s star player / Image via liverpoolfc.com
It is a question which bothers every Liverpool fan with the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations looming.
Sadio Mane is thriving in his first season under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and the fans have every right to ask themselves whether the Senegal international’s absence will be of negative effect on Liverpool’s performance.
Top Performer
Born in the city of Sedhiou, Sadio Mane made a big journey to a place where he is now.
Arriving to Europe as an obscure player, the 24-year-old quick-paced through the French Ligue 1 and Austrian Bundesliga before hitting the Premier League by storm wearing a Southampton shirt.
Impressing with his imposing speed with the ball and outstanding technical abilities, Mane notched up 75 appearances for the Saints and scored 25 goals in the process. His transfer to Liverpool might have seemed a surprise to the unexperienced eye, but Mane is a perfect Jurgen Klopp’s player which he is currently proving with his imposing performances for the Reds.
The Senegalese scored eight goals in 16 Premier League matches as Reds go full force into the season trying to stake their claim on the Premier League title. Currently trailing the Blues by six points, Liverpool stand as the outside favourites at 11/2 betting odds to lift the coveted trophy and end two-decade wait.
Mane became the most expensive African player with his £34 million move from Saint Mary’s which many were quick to label as a potential liability. But the religious family man Mane is a devoted professional and a world-class material who is being given full freedom to develop his attacking exploits at Liverpool.
Scoring and assisting is not the only reason why Mane is such a great influence for the Reds however.
X Factor
There is an interesting piece of statistics related to Sadio Mane and his influence at Liverpool.
The African star has scored and assisted in 56.3% of his Premier League appearances for Liverpool this season, which is a significant improvement to 32.4% he registered last season and 33.3% in 2015/16.
What numbers fail to illustrate is the flavour Sadio Mane adds to Liverpool’s play.
Mane’s vigour and flair make him an exotic asset, one which fills Red’s squad with the long-missed X Factor – that “wow” element which makes fans get up on their feet when the flamboyant Senegalese latches on a ball.
Former Southampton star is an enthusiastic player, whose playful character makes Mane a fitting match to Jurgen Klopp and his jovial nature.
Sadio Mane is the epitome of Klopp’s pressing style as the African takes equal part in defensive and attacking responsibilities. Pushing fast forward with the ball glued to his feet, Mane is at the same time quick at tracking well back in his own half, providing support and backing to his backline.
Jurgen Klopp has been a long-time admirer of Mane and he knew exactly what he was getting in the Senegal international.
The German tactician did not want to make the same mistake as Dortmund two years ago, when they passed on an opportunity to sign Mane and he ended up getting a more developed version of the African player, now thriving at Anfield.
AFCON issue
Liverpool have another player with the same qualities as Mane’s.
The Little Magician Philippe Coutinho became the leader of Klopp’s Liverpool and his absence is being heavily missed on the pitch, although the Reds players are doing their best to compensate for the lack of creative string.
The Brazilian will hopefully get back to action in time to wave Sadio Mane goodbye and thus restore some balance on the pitch.
Senegal international is packing his bags for a trip to Gabon and AFCON 2017 which starts on 14 January and lasts until 5 February. His country is pitted against Algeria, Tunisia and Zimbabwe and boasts solid chance of fighting for one of the two knockout stage spots.
Liverpool fans will be hoping for a quick exit however and Mane’s premature return, whereas the club could even make some additions during the January transfer window to try and soften the blow.
Ovie Ejaria could be the in-house replacement and a viable solution for the problem, whereas adding some of the high-profile footballers of the more prominent stature would definitely be more pleasing to the fans.
What should Liverpool do to compensate for Mane’s absence?
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