Liverpool 0-3 Watford: Do we need to buy the ‘next Sadio Mane?’

Liverpool lost 3-0 to an excellent Watford side who were propelled to victory by ‘the next Sadio Mane’ – but should the Reds buy him?

Ismaïla Sarr had an excellent game as he scored twice and grabbed an assist for Troy Deeney‘s goal as the Senegal international caused havoc.

He’s now hit the back of the net six times across all competitions but this was his best night for the Hornets by far. Sarr is known for his pace and ability on the ball – which is what convinced Watford bosses to spend £27 million to bring the 22-year-old to the Premier League.

It’s clear now that Liverpool need high quality back-up for Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah. Timo Werner has been extensively linked with a move to Anfield and he would fit the bill – but how about a deal for Ismaïla Sarr?

Sarr and Mane have got fairly similar career paths as they started off at Generation Foot in Senegal before moving to Metz in France. Neither lasted too long at the French outfit: Sarr moved July 2016 before Rennais snapped him up in 2017.

Mane was at Metz for just a year, too, before a ‘bigger’ side came calling as RB Salzburg made a move. Both Senegalese attackers didn’t stay with their new outfits too long, either, before making a move to one of the unfancied clubs in the league.

But the way Sarr plays his game will cast memories back to Mane when he first burst onto the scene. He might play on the right, not the left, but he has goals and assists in his locker as well as tremendous pace.

Those are characteristics teams are going to value highly and Liverpool should definitely be taking a look at the youngster. He also loves Mane and the personal connection would be valuable in any transfer pursuit.

This wouldn’t be a cheap move and the Reds would be getting a hungry footballer with some end product to develop rather than the finished article, but isn’t that what Klopp thrives on?