Max Newman explains exactly why Sadio can be Liverpool’s Manѐ this season.
Liverpool’s new and biggest summer signing attacking midfielder Sadio Manѐ is now looking quite comfortable in Liverpool’s squad and adds much-needed pace into the team. But how will he perform this season?
Liverpool signed Senegal forward Sadio Manѐ from Southampton for £34 million in the summer. Manѐ, 24 joined on a five-year deal and was the reds third summer signing, following Loris Karius and Joel Matip to Anfield.
The fee may rise to £36 million, which would make Manѐ Liverpool’s most expensive signing, replacing Andy Caroll when Liverpool paid £35 million for him in 2011. After the winger joined Saints for £10million from FC Red Bull Salzburg in 2014, he scored an impressive 21 goals in 67 Premier League appearances.
Manѐ started his Reds career in Liverpool’s first pre-season game against Tranmere Rovers where he made an impact but understandably didn’t look comfortable. After a quiet start to life at Liverpool, Manѐ impressed in Liverpool’s thrilling 4-0 win against Barcelona where he scored his first goal for Liverpool.
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On his Premier League debut, Manѐ scored Liverpool’s fourth goal, displaying the qualities Klopp saw he could provide to the team, hence why he was willing to spend nearly £40 million on him. Jürgen Klopp revealed that he had been tracking Manѐ since his impressive performances at the Olympics in 2012
Manѐ’s influence on the pitch is obvious, he adds pace, skill and quick play. Liverpool has become more dangerous on the counter attack due to Manѐ’s incredible pace. This season he has big boots to fill, but looking at his performances so far it is clear he will impress and could even lead Liverpool’s line when necessary.
He adds so much quality to the team, and when he’s not playing the team can become lethargic and less aggressive without the constant need to run around after him to keep up with his intense pace and quick play.
It is early in the season but already it is evident that Manѐ can provide goals for Liverpool. Last season, Sadio Manѐ scored 11 goals and assisted 6 in 37 games. At first, these stats may not seem massively impressive, but for a supporting attacker, they show that he can score goals and provide assists when need be. With the likes of Firmino, Sturridge and Coutinho playing alongside him, he may be in his element and can help Liverpool win games. In the two games he has played for Liverpool, they were dangerous on the attack and did not lose any points, taking 4 points from both games. His presence in the side is strong and like many of Liverpool’s signings this season he adds something new and exciting to the team.
In the two games he has played for Liverpool, they were dangerous on the attack and did not lose any points, taking 4 points from both games. His presence in the side is strong and like many of Liverpool’s signings this season, he adds something new and exciting to the team.
This season Manѐ looks to prove why Liverpool spent what they did, and I believe he could be our best new signing. Liverpool has lacked a fast winger since Sterling’s departure and it was clear that the Red’s needed to buy a new attacking midfielder/winger.
Sterling provided pace and a cover striker when needed, and when we sold him we lost that asset. Fortunately, Liverpool has purchased Manѐ. Not only does Manѐ have a better attitude but betters Sterling in every aspect. A perfect replacement. This season Manѐ can help Liverpool regain their attacking momentum and potentially achieve big things this season.
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