Liverpool’s big money signing looks to be worth every penny.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane warms up before the match
The Premier League welcomed so huge summer signings in 2016. Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Luiz stole many of the paper headlines, but arguably the best signing of the summer looks to have been made by Liverpool. A signing which wen’t virtually under the radar. Sadio Mane, the £30m man from Southampton.
Sadio Mane celebrates with team mates after scoring the third goal for Southampton
The fast-paced attacker, who can play anywhere across the forward line, impressed football fans with his goals and contributions for the Saints, and despite being linked with a big money move to Manchester United, it was Juergen Klopp who managed to get the Senegalese striker to sign.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates with Sadio Mane after the match
Considering the style of play that Klopp has brought to Liverpool; the signing of Sadio Mane seemed to be a no-brainer. Klopp demands a constant work-rate from his forwards: non-stop, heavy metal football for 90 minutes straight. This kind of intensity was one of the attributes that made Mane such a sought-after player. The signing seemed a perfect fit.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their fourth goal with manager Juergen Klopp
Though Liverpool’s start to the season was fairly inconsistent, beating Arsenal 3-4 and then losing 2-0 to Burnley, Sadio Mane shone. After scoring an outstanding finish against Arsenal, the African forward looked to be already fitting in to Klopp’s game plan.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their fourth goal with manager Juergen Klopp and teammates
Despite worries over Liverpool’s defence ability; the goals were flowing freely. Klopp’s new look front line, with Coutinho and Mane playing off Roberto Firmino, looked as deadly as any in the Premier League. A trashing of the Premier League Champions, Leicester City, 4-1 with a goal from Mane, showed that the Reds were seriously up for it this season, with eyes set on that Premier League trophy.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane scores their second goal
As September ticked on, more huge wins followed for Klopp’s men. A massive 1-2 over Chelsea, followed by a 0-3 thumbing away at Derby County and a massive 5-1 thrashing of Hull City cemented Liverpool as the league’s top scorers, with Mane right at the centre of the action.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their third goal
October followed in much the same fashion, and although Liverpool still looked shaky at the back, the Reds were comfortably out-scoring teams. Wins against Spurs, the 2-4 thrashing of Crystal Palace, and the hard-fought 2-1 win against Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion stood out as the highlights, with Mane picking up one goal for the month, but playing a part in many more.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates
Like myself, many are wondering quite how long this form will last for Liverpool. It’s been many years since we’ve seen such impressive attacking displays from the Reds, on such a consistent basis, and there’s no doubt that if they can keep this up, they will surely be title contenders by the end of the season. A 6-1 hammering of Walter Mazzari’s impressive Watford side show that Klopp’s side are showing no signs of slowing down, and with Mane picking up his first double for the season in that game, there’s no doubt that the Senegalese front man is going to play a big part in Liverpool’s push for the Premier League title.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their first goal
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