Sadio Mane has been head and shoulders above the rest. Is he Liverpool’s player of the season?
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane in action
Quite frankly, there are four potential candidates for Liverpool’s player of the season – Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Adam Lallana, and Sadio Mane.
Coutinho started the season on a bright note. His stunning free-kick goal against Arsenal gave an early indication of what was to follow from the Brazilian. And he continued producing top drawer performances one after the other top drawer performances. However, an ankle injury sustained in late November saw him missing chunk of game, and it took a while for him to return to his old best again.
Firmino has been a constant presence for Jurgen Klopp this season. The Brazilian has scored 11 goals, but despite his overall brilliance there is a feeling that he could have done a lot more. Also, he has looked out of sorts in the absence of Coutinho.
Adam Lallana has been superb for his club and country this season. He has scored goals, has provided assists, and has been a work horse in the middle of the park.
His pressing and energy was fundamental to Liverpool’s impressive form till December. Had he been fit for the later stages of the season, and performed at his usual standard, he would have been a strong contender for this award.
Sadio Mane joined Liverpool for £34m from Southampton, according to BBC, last summer. With a high transfer fee comes extra responsibility. And Mane didn’t disappoint. Not only did he gel with the other attackers quickly, but also added an extra dimension to this Liverpool side.
His pace from the flanks opened up space for other players to take up attacking positions in the opposition final third. His movement, energy, guile, drive, and co-ordination with Coutinho and Firmino has seen Liverpool playing some breathtaking attacking football this season.
He has missed a significant amount of games in January due to his international commitment, while he is currently missing the end of the season through injury as well.
The best thing about him is he has become one of the most influential players in this team. When he plays, Liverpool move into another gear. He has scored 13 goals in the Premier League, and has provided five assists as well. But where he stands apart is at producing moments of inspiration and stepping up to the plate when his team needs him the most.
Be it the stunning solo effort against Arsenal, the last gasp winner against Everton, or the brace against Tottenham, Mane has been ‘the precious man’ for Liverpool.
Who do you think is Liverpool’s player of the season? Let me know your answers below.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates after scoring their first goal
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