Michael Owen has told the Premier League’s coverage of Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa that Sadio Mane is “as tough as anything”, a player that can be relied upon. The Senegal skipper scored the winner on Tuesday night.
Liverpool had to do it the hard way against Steven Gerrard’s Villa in the Midlands, going behind after just three minutes when Douglas Luiz scored his own rebound – after an initial header. Liverpool were level soon after.
Joel Matip scoring on six minutes. Villa were excellent, equally as pungent in defence as they were in attack – boasting numerous half chances. Eventually, Mane netted his 22nd goal of the season, a delicious header.
Luis Diaz broke through on the left and curled an exquisite, low cross into Mane – who managed to get his body into the right position and flick the ball past Emi Martinez. A brilliant goal, and Owen praised Mane.
“He’s always just slightly in the shadow of Mo Salah. His contract expires at the same time but everyone talks about Salah’s. Salah is always going for the golden boot, but Mane is just behind by two, three, four goals.
“But he contributes virtually just as much. What a brilliant player he has been for Liverpool, you can always rely on him, he never gets injured – as tough as anything. Reliable source of goals, big goals,” Owen said.
Owen on Mane: Is Liverpool star more effective than Salah?
Right now, you would have to say yes. The ex-Southampton star has eight goals in his last 11 and is coming up with some massive goals for Klopp’s men. Salah, meanwhile, is not scoring as he did in the first half of 21-22.
With two more Premier League games to play, an FA Cup final and a Champions League final, Liverpool will need Mane to prove once again why he can relied upon. That toughness against tiredness and knocks.
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