Sadio Mane joined Liverpool from Southampton in the summer transfer window.
Phil Thompson has told Sky Sports that Sadio Mane has transformed Liverpool.
Mane joined Liverpool from Premier League rivals Southampton in the summer transfer window.
According to BBC Sport, the Reds had to pay the Saints a transfer fee of £34 million, which could rise to £36m, in order to secure the services of the 24-year-old winger.
Liverpool legend Thompson has praised Mane, and believes that the Senegal international has transformed Jurgen Klopp’s side.
“If you’re looking at a player who has transformed a side and injected what they needed then it’s Sadio Mane,” Thompson told Sky Sports while picking Mane as his top summer signing.
“People talk about this Liverpool team suddenly challenging for the title but what’s the difference really been? I think it’s all about Mane and the pace he has injected.”
Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has also picked Mane as his top summer signing.
“As much as it hurts me, I’d have to go with Mane as well,” Le Tissier told Sky Sports. “He has been outstanding in his first few games at Liverpool.
“I think him and Adam Lallana were the two most painful to lose as I enjoyed watching them. They’re the guys that get you on the edge of your seat and are who the fans pay the money to watch.
“I think if he finds the consistency that was missing at times at Southampton, and he did have periods where he didn’t look particularly interested, then he certainly gives Liverpool a better chance of winning the league.”
Mane has been superb for Liverpool so far this season and has established himself as a key player in Klopp’s team.
The former Southampton winger has scored three goals and created eight chances in six league matches for the Reds.
Liverpool are fourth in the Premier League table at the moment with 16 points from seven matches.
The Reds are just two points behind leaders Manchester City and are very much in the running for the league title this season.
The Merseyside outfit will face Manchester United at Anfield in the Premier League after the international break.
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