Written by James Cranford – @jamescranford89
Liverpool are on track for qualification for the semi-finals of the Champions League following their 3-1 away victory over Benfica. One man pleased to get himself on the scoresheet in the Estádio da Luz was Sadio Mané. The 29-year-old is on track for 20 goals in all competitions for the fourth time since his arrival at Anfield. He is flying for his country, leading them to victory in the AFCON and guiding them to World Cup qualification.
Much like his front-three partner Mo Salah, Mané’s contract expires at the end of next season. The situation has generated considerably fewer column inches, but the Senegalese striker remains a key man for Jurgen Klopp.
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight Extra Show, we asked goal.com’s Neil Jones for an update on Sadio’s contract situation.
Neil said:
“The trail has been quiet on Sadio for a while. He does get brushed a little bit. I don’t think he’s that kind of character, but I could understand if he thought ‘How about a bit of love for me, I’m here?!’ He’s in the same boat [as Salah] and I do think those two are probably linked – maybe if Salah signs, it affects the Mané negotiations. If you got him a mural, I think it would be one of the proudest days of his career. If he was missing out on big games, I think he would look and think, ‘Hang on.’
There is a feeling that sometimes he just misses out on the party a little bit. If there’s a Player of the Match award, there’s someone who has done something a bit more spectacular in the game. I thought he was brilliant against Benfica. He’s a legend, he’s a Liverpool legend. Salif Diao was saying he doesn’t get the respect that they feel he deserves in Senegal. He’s just such a good player. Liverpool would miss him massively if he were to go. If I was doing the advice for Liverpool, it would be: sort it out. I think you can fall into the trap that Sadio is easy to replace. I think the opposite, I think he’s really, really difficult to replace.”
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Redmen Reacts
Mané’s exploits in a red shirt have been somewhat overshadowed by the amazing goalscoring feats of Mo Salah. Many fans have been at the point of writing Sadio off, especially after poor season last season, but he has proved he still deserves a place in the starting XI, and is likely to start against Manchester City on Sunday.
Liverpool have managed to refresh their attacking options with the signings of Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota, but Sadio should remain a part of their plans for at least the next few seasons. The idea that Klopp’s ‘classic front three’ has grown stale has been rebutted this season, with Mané and Firmino putting in some excellent displays, despite not being guaranteed a starting berth every game. Liverpool have yet more attacking talent set to come in the shape of Fábio Carvalho.
Hopefully he will be able to learn from one of our greatest in Sadio Mané.
