Sadio Mane has left Liverpool to write a new chapter in his footballing career at Bayern Munich, whilst Romelu Lukaku will want to re-retire history upon his return to Inter Milan from Chelsea.
Both players have one thing in common – they have very strong goalscoring records against Aston Villa and they showcased that once more last season.
Mane netted the winning goal at Villa Park as Liverpool came from 1-0 down to secure all three points against Steven Gerrard’s side – it’s the second time in his career he has netted a late winner in the Midlands.
The 30-year-old had more favourable opponents during his time in the Premier League – 9 goals in 18 against Arsenal and an impressive 18 goals against both Chelsea and Manchester City.
But, against Villa, Mane netted eight from ten matches, including the quickest hat-trick during the Premier League era, that was when he was in Southampton colours.
Since the Midlands side have returned back to England’s top-flight, they have opened the scoring against the Reds three times on home soil, only for Mane to spoil the party on two of those occasions, so at least the Villa Park faithful know it’s not going to happen again.
As for Lukaku, whilst he endured a miserable return to Chelsea and some claiming that his near-£100 million transfer was one of the worst deals ever.
Well, when it came to locking horns against those in Claret & Blue, it was the only time he actually enjoyed himself last season and showcased why so much money was paid for his talents.
That included him leaving Axel Tunazebe on his backside as he netted a brace during Chelsea’s 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge when Dean Smith was in charge of the club.
And then, Lukaku came off the bench as Thomas Tuchel’s side came from behind to beat Villa 3-1 on Boxing Day, once again, he scored and assisted during that match.
What’s even more remarkable is that the Belgium international only scored eight Premier League goals last season and half of those came against Villa.
Overall during his career against Villa, he has an impressive nine goals from 11 matches, so that’s another striker that won’t be putting the ball past Steven Gerrard’s side next term.
But whilst those two strikers are out of the door and now plying their trade in Italy and Germany, there is still a certain Cristiano Ronaldo who will want to continue his strong record against the club.
The Manchester United striker didn’t score against the European-chasing side last term – he only played the defeat at Old Trafford – but, overall, he has eight in 13 against them.
And you can bet your bottom dollar, regardless of what Man United turn up next season, he will be looking to add to that record.
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