Sadio Mane looked back to his absolute best in Liverpool’s vital game against Crystal Palace on the final day of the Premier League season.
The Reds picked up a 2-0 win to secure Champions League football next season. Losses for both Leicester and Chelsea meant that they actually finished in third place, against all odds.
Liverpool never really looked like losing the game after a cagey first 15 minutes.
Palace didn’t come too close to scoring aside from one big Andros Townsend chance, so all Jurgen Klopp’s side had to do was put the ball in Vicente Guaita’s net.
And they did so twice, courtesy of Sadio Mane.
The Senegal star scored in the 36th minute before doubling the lead in the 74th minute.
It was not just his goals that saw him stand out, however. Mane looked the best he has in months with a superb all-round performance.
Mane shows that he still has lots to offer
It has been a disappointing season for Mane, but he still ends it with 18 league goal contributions.
He has not been himself for a while now, but he showed his very best form against the Eagles.
Mane looked sharp and energetic right from the off. His touch was good and he was making all the right decisions.
There was one poor shot in the first half, but he didn’t let it affect him. It was the only shot he took that didn’t end up in the net.
Mane attempted five dribbles, which showed how keen he was to have an effect on the game.
He also created one big chance, which his teammates failed to finish. That wasn’t his only impressive passing stat as he completed three out of three long balls too.
What may be the most encouraging stat of Mane’s was his three defensive contributions. He made two tackles and one interception, which Jurgen Klopp will be delighted with.
Some were worried about Mane and whether he could find his best form again. But if he can build on this game next season, we have nothing to worry about.
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