Liverpool’s Mane Means Business

Liverpool returned to their top form against Tottenham, but what will happen against the former Premier League Champions, Leicester City?

Mane has sent out a warning to Jamie Vardy and the Foxes, that Liverpool will look to continue their high-octane style of football against them on February 27th at King Power Stadium.

Three things have contributed to a spark returning to the Liverpool squad: (1) Sadio Mane’s return from the Africa Cup of Nations, (2) a big win against Tottenham, (3) and warm weather training trip to La Magna, Spain.

During the Reds training in Spain, Mane told Sam Williams, “The last few weeks have been quite difficult for obvious reasons, but we didn’t stop working during that period and that was important.” Liverpool will look to reap what they sow on February 27th against Leicester City.

Maintaining this high level of play will be crucial for the Reds as they enter the home stretch of the second half of the season. I believe they are capable of achieving a Champions League spot for next season, but it will not be easy. So what will help them achieve this goal? (hint Mane)

Liverpool is Better with Sadio Mane

This may be overstated but Liverpool are really better when Sadio Mane is on the pitch. Statistically speaking, it is a night and day difference. Let’s take a look a Mane’s stats over the course of this season in the Premier League.

Over 22 appearances in the Premier League this season Mane has scored 11 goals, and they typical come at the most opportunistic moments. More importantly, Mane has been apart of creating great chances for his fellow Reds, according to Squawka he has created 38 chances with 34 key passes and 4 assists. They only other Liverpool player to create more chances this season is Philippe Coutinho with 40.

How do other Liverpool midfielders stack up against Mane?

Games

Performance Score

Coutinho

18

606

Henderson

24

528

Mane

22

509

Lallana

23

481

Wijnaldum

23

438

Mane is in the middle of the pack here but it is stunning to see that when Mane is on the pitch the Reds sport a record of 14-6-2. That is fantastic and demonstrates his value to the success of the team. Yes, I agree that Liverpool’s entire strategy should not be built on the back on one player but it is hard to ignore how crucial Mane really is to this squad.

Unless Mane suffers an injury between now and February 27th, it is a given he will be on the pitch against Leicester City. If I were Leicester City I would be scared of what Mane brings to the game and heed his warning.

Related Story: Analysis: Is Mignolet Good Enough For Liverpool?

All statistical information from Squawka.com