How Sadio Mane went from fiesty to first choice
By Riaz Ravat
Liverpool star Sadio Mane went from fiesty to first choice.
This is the second half of our two-part series on the PFA Fans’ Premier League Player of the Year for 2019-20. Read part one here.
Sadio Mane initially was the player we loved to hate. His goals and tenacity against us for Southampton led to some feisty confrontations including a red card at Anfield in 2015.
Poor discipline was a feature in his early career and hence eyebrows were raised at the £34m figure Liverpool reportedly paid for his services in 2016. Mané may have had some Premier League experience but it was limited and indifferent in consistency. The player Jürgen Klopp has moulded is on a different level.
Right foot, left foot or with his head, Mané offers a bit of everything – goals, pressing, holding up, dribbling or defending. Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has referred to him as a ‘warrior’ who goes to war for Liverpool.
At the back, his industry with Andy Robertson has enabled that side of the field to hold firm. If opponents find holes, it is usually on the right.
Mo Salah may have more goals and Roberto Firmino more tackles but it is Mané who consistently excels in each of the departments he operates in on the pitch. The 2019-20 season was the first time that commentators openly spoke about him as a serious contender for the other player of the year awards.
Mané has grown in stature on and off the pitch. He is fast becoming an ambassador. Off the pitch his social contribution back home in Senegal with the investment in key services such as a hospital is much adored.
At the Liverpool academy, Neco Williams, who signed a new contract extension only days ago, has spoken about how his development has been aided massively by facing Mané in training.
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Judging by his own words, the future is ominous for opponents. Upon collecting his PFA Fans’ Premier League Player of the Year Award for 2019-20, Mané told the club website:
"“I just want to say thank you again and I will push myself harder to be a better player.”"
Super Sadio Mane – YNWA.
Riaz Ravat is a member of Liverpool FC’s Equality & Diversity Fan Forum. He writes in a personal capacity.