The case for Sadio Mane to win Player of the Year

Last year Liverpool star Sadio Mane had the best season of his career culminating with a Champions League winners medal and a fourth-place finish at the Ballon d’Or. This year, the 27-year-old winger has somehow managed to become even better.

The rise of Sadio Mane in recent years has been nothing short of astounding. Just a mere two seasons ago, the Senegalese winger was probably the most overlooked player in the Liverpool front three, but now he is potentially the most influential.

A big reason for this is his improvement in playmaking. Just last season, the former Southampton man had a career-low in assists but now he has already broken his career-high. Furthermore, his golden boot-winning goal scoring form from last season has carried over into this campaign.

This has led to Mane being on track to break his record for goals and assists once the season picks up after the coronavirus break.

Though, the manner of those goal contributions is considerably more significant than the tally itself. Looking back, it was Mane’s brilliance that saved the Reds from negative outcomes to the likes of Aston Villa, Norwich, Southampton and Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup.

The Senegalese winger has had a habit of striking when it most matters as he has contributed to the game-winning goal 13 times this season. As a matter of fact, he leads the Premier League in points won by goals with 18.

Simply putting it, Liverpool would not be quite as successful as they are if it weren’t for the heroics of Sadio Mane this season.

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But of course, there is more to Mane’s game than just goals. In fact, his high defensive work rate is what really makes the team run. He is statistically the hardest worker on the defensive end out of the front three as leads them in tackles and interceptions.

The winger’s pressing ability is a prime reason for how Liverpool are so effective in winning the ball back in the final third, which is how they create so many chances. This is a primary concept of a Jurgen Klopp system and Sadio Mane fits it to perfection.

Some opposing managers have even established Mane as Liverpool’s biggest threat—most noticeably Diego Simeone. A key focus of the Argentine’s gameplan against the Reds was shutting down the Senegalese winger and even attempting to get him sent off. This illustrates how highly Mane is viewed by others around the footballing world.

Mane has emerged as arguably the most feared player in a Liverpool side that has terrorized all of England and Europe. His efficiency on both sides of the ball is a primary reason why Liverpool are winning at a historic rate—and why he should win Player of the Year.