Liverpool predicted XI vs Barcelona: First team tuneup

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - MAY 18: Daniel Sturridge (1st R) of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal with his team mates Roberto Firmino (1st L), Adam Lallana (2nd L) and Philippe Coutinho (2nd R) during the UEFA Europa League Final match between Liverpool and Sevilla at St. Jakob-Park on May 18, 2016 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND - MAY 18: Daniel Sturridge (1st R) of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal with his team mates Roberto Firmino (1st L), Adam Lallana (2nd L) and Philippe Coutinho (2nd R) during the UEFA Europa League Final match between Liverpool and Sevilla at St. Jakob-Park on May 18, 2016 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
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PASADENA, CA - JULY 27: Sadio Mane
PASADENA, CA – JULY 27: Sadio Mane

AMR Sadio Mane

Mane appears to have firmly put himself as the leader to start on opening day for Liverpool at Arsenal. He just offers something different than Adam Lallana with his pace, directness and superior finishing ability.

Against sides like Barcelona and Arsenal, Liverpool will be out of possession much more than they’ll be on the ball. A player like Mane will strike fear into the other team for when they lose possession, he’ll be in hyperspeed sprinting forward.

Mane has landed well at Liverpool this preseason which is nothing more than a bonus. If the season starts and has a dire run of form, no one will remember he looked good in preseason. But hopefully it serves as a launching pad for his form going into games that actually matter.

Next: AMC Roberto Firmino