By Ewah Chika.
"I have followed Sadio for a lot of years since his impressive Olympics in 2012 and then watched his development in Austria and Southampton.
"He has a lot of quality, works hard and has a very good goal scoring record," were the words of Jurgen Klopp after the signing of Southampton and Senegalese attacking midfielder Sadio Mane for
£30 million last month. Although Liverpool might have regarded the signing of Bayern Munich's Mario Gotze a priority but given his inconsistency since moving to Bavaria in 2013 and judging from present form, Sadio Mane is on top (15 goals and nine assists in 32 league games last season).
Mane is an attacking midfider with a physical presence who fits perfectly with the footballing philosophy of Jurgen Klopp (energy high pressing counter attacking football). Mane also contributes his fair share of goals to his team as stats show he has scored goals in double figure in his last four consecutive league campaigns coupled with his 21 gaols in two seasons in Southampton. Though not yet a big name, the Senegalese still has a lot of improvement to make. He is also regarded as an upgrade on already departed Jordan Ibe and Adam Llalana whose decision making in the final third is a long way from what is expected. Mane can also operate behind the main striker or in the wing in a 4-2-3-1 formation as he did in Southampton, he can also play in the right side of the attack in a 4-3-3 formation which might be utilised by Klopp this season. The signing of the former Red Bull Salzburg midfielder is a necessity for the Merseyside considering the dearth of natural wingers in the team which forced Klopp to feature the likes of Sheyi Ojo prominently last season. The Senegalese is also a prolific finisher as his inclusion in the team will provide Klopp with the sort of width that Liverpool has lacked since the exit of Raheem Sterling to Manchester City in the summer of 2015.
Considering his statistics, Mane is a more defensive option for Klopp as his consistent physical presence and high pressing as he averaged 1.5 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game coupled with his 2.1 dribbles, 1.1 key passes and 2.3 shots per game last season which is impressive for an attacker. However, it is arguable that Mane is not worth the £30 million spent on him when one considers he has not been consistent enough in Southampton (went eight games without a goal or assist only to get five assists in the next four games). The Senegalese is the third most expensive Liverpool signing behind the likes of Andy Carrol and Christian Benteke but on present form is the fourth best attacking player at the club behind the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Philipe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino who were all cheaper than him.
At 24, Mane still has room for improvement as he is expected to progress and learn from a high quality coach like Jurgen Klopp in the coming years.
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