Jordan Henderson believes that Sadio Mane provides something that Liverpool haven’t had for awhile.
When Liverpool’s new £34 million signing from Southampton picked up a shoulder injury last week in training there was dismay amongst fans and the reason why showed against Burnley. The Reds lacked penetration without the Senegal international as was the case for much of last season.
However, on Tuesday night against Burton Albion, Mane showed once again how good he can be as his pace and trickery helped the Reds to a win. The winger assisted two of Liverpool’s five goals as Liverpool progressed to the third round of the EFL Cup where the Reds will face Derby County.
Jordan Henderson, Liverpool’s skipper, is very appreciative of the club’s new forward:
“I think you’ve seen that in the games at Arsenal and today,” the captain told Sky Sports [via Liverpoolfc.com] on Tuesday when asked if Mane offers a new threat for Liverpool.
“Obviously we missed him at the weekend, but we can’t just rely on him, we’ve got a great squad with talented players.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
“We can’t just rely on Sadio but he’s been outstanding for us and he gives us something different. Hopefully he can continue to improve and I’m sure he will and have a big season for us.”
Henderson was also sure to highlight the importance of bouncing back from the weekend’s disappointing loss against Burnley on the weekend. The 2-0 defeat came just 6 days after the Reds’ explosive opening day victory against Arsenal and a week ahead of a trip to White Hart Lane to face Tottenham Hotspur.
“[The key to winning was] making sure we worked as hard as we possibly can in the game,” the former Sunderland midfielder continued.
“We were very disappointed at the weekend – everybody, the supporters, the players, everybody involved, so it was important to come here and put on a good performance and get a good result because we’ve got a tough game at the weekend.”
Mane added that he was pleased to return to action with a goal.
“It was important to win and the performance of the team was great. We want to keep going. I want to try to give my best in every game,” said the Senegal international.