It’s time for Sadio Mane to step up
By Roy Skillen
It’s probably one of the most disgusting cliches in football, but every game from now until the end of the season is a must-win for Liverpool.
In a year marred by injuries, it has come to a point where fans will no longer be forgiving. We must finish in the top four and secure Champions League football or we could see all of the hard work from the last five years disappear pretty quickly.
For players whose form has been indifferent so far, it is time to step and show the class that we all know they have and they have to do it this weekend against Everton. Although I would include Trent Alexander Arnold, Firmino, and Thiago Alcantara in this list there is one player, in particular, that has been a shadow of his usual self and it is now that we need him more than ever.
Sadio Mane must step up for Liverpool
I know that criticising Sadio Mane is a hanging offence amongst Liverpool fans and I agree that you can never question the guy’s commitment. However, Sadio has not been having the same menacing influence this season. He has struggled for goals, looks far too predictable cutting in on his right foot, and has created very little.
With the number of minutes the guy has played over the last three years at levels that us mere mortals often struggle to comprehend, a dip in form of some kind was almost inevitable. Klopp will have known this and when Diogo Jota was firing it seemed that all of the front three, especially Mane, were going to be able to get some much-needed rest.
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But football is a funny game and just when you think you have it mastered the gods like to spin around and put you back in your place.
Diogo Jota caused a Liverpool re-think
Jota’s knee injury has meant that Mane has been asked to play on and that won’t change this weekend. Mane will for sure line up on the left of the front three in a Merseyside Derby that has massive implications for both clubs.
Liverpool are fighting to maintain their place in football’s elite, while Everton are looking to replace them. If there was ever a time that we needed Super Sadio at his very best it’s now or Liverpool could be playing Thursday night football and he could very well on the chopping block when this season finally comes to an end.