Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has talked up Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane after the Senegal international was named as the fourth best player in the world.
Messi was talking from a position of strength after he claimed the Ballon D’or for a record sixth time, but the Argentine still had time to praise the Reds forward.
The Metro reported that he said: “Mane achieved a great year that was exceptional for the entire Liverpool team. That’s why I chose him.”
Central defender Virgil van Dijk finished second when all the votes had been counted, while Mohamed Salah (5th) and goalkeeper Alisson (7th) ended in the top 10. Roberto Firmino placed 17th, Trent Alexander-Arnold 19th and Georginio Wijnaldum joint 26th with Karim Benzema.
More from Rush The Kop
- Set to return, Virgil Van Dijk facing heavy criticism back home
- Liverpool making late comebacks all the rage once again
- Wolves tilt gives Klopp opportunity to tinker with lineup following international duty
- Players to watch in the matchup with Wolves
- Predicting Liverpool’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures
Not only did Sadio Mane have an excellent year with the Reds, but he also scored three goals for Senegal as they made the final of the African Cup of Nations.
He’s overtaken Salah as the talisman of Jurgen Klopp’s attack and his strike against Everton on Wednesday made it nine goals and six assists from just 15 Premier League games.
Mane’s importance was highlighted by Klopp’s decision to keep him in the side for the Merseyside Derby while he rotated Firmino and Salah out of the side. The Egyptian was kept on the bench for the full 90 as Xherdan Shaqiri played well and grabbed a goal, while Firmino was sent on to replace a flagging Divock Origi.
Bobby promptly made a goal for Wijnaldum and brought a different element to Liverpool’s play, while you assume Salah will be picked in the side for Saturday’s game against Bournemouth.
If we can win the league and continue to do well in the Champions League, you’d think those with voting power would be forced to recognise the achievements of the squad and place them higher in the rankings.
Could we see Mane and Salah battling van Dijk for the Ballon D’or next season?