The winger joined Liverpool in a big money move from Southampton earlier this summer.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane in action
Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has told Sky Sports that Sadio Mane could end up being a bargain for the Reds, despite previously claiming he felt they had overpaid for the winger.
Mane made the move to Anfield this summer, with Jurgen Klopp paying close to £40 million to Southampton for his services.
It was a move that raised many an eyebrow at that price and Thompson was among them, admitting to Sky Sports at the end of June “I think we’ve paid far too much for him.”
Since then Mane has made a lightning start to life in Klopp’s team, starring in the pre-season win over Barcelona and the opening day defeat of Arsenal.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates after scoring their first goal
He was once again key to their win over Burton Albion in the EFL cup in midweek and those displays appear to have changed Thompson’s mind about his price tag.
“With the way he’s started the season, he’s looking like Liverpool’s most important player,” he told Sky Sports.
“Everybody thought he was overpriced, myself included, but the way he’s started and compared to some of the other signings this window, he could turn out to be a bargain.”
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates after scoring their first goal
It is fair to say that Thompson is not likely to be the only one whose opinion will have changed about Mane based on his performances so far.
He has quickly established himself as a key man in the side, with their hopes of success looking likely to rely on his performances, even at this early stage.
Indeed, if he can continue to shine as he has there will not be many questioning that big price tag by the end of the season.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates with Sadio Mane after the match
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