Considering the form that Liverpool have consistently upheld these last few weeks, you would be forgiven for forgetting that one important member of the tantalizing attacking threesome has been missing for a considerable period. The Senegalese international, Sadio Mané, has been forced to watch by the sidelines since he pulled up with a hamstring injury on January 23rd. Since then, he has had to watch on the edge of his seat while his team continues their campaign without him. Having missed four potential games in which he could have played, the super-speedy attacking forward will no doubt be happy to be back in the fold.
Sadio Mane’s Return Comes Just at the Right Time for Liverpool
The fans and manager would have been in exuberant moods after seeing the potent attacker back at Melwood training field before the trip to Norwich City on Saturday 15th February. Okay, Liverpool haven’t exactly needed Mane after winning both Premier League games comfortably and having the youngest ever side seeing them through to the FA Cup fifth-round. However, certainly in the first half against Southampton, the Reds could have done with a bit of the Mane’s nippy pace and tenacity. Only after half-time did the rotated team manage to break down a stubborn Southampton team at Anfield. It was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, taking Mane’s position in that game, who finally broke the deadlock just after the break, making that two important goals in two games for the English national.
Oxlade-Chamberlain finding his feet makes for an interesting decision for manager Jurgen Klopp, who has the Champions League and his unbeaten run in the Premier League in his sights. In one sense, it’s perfect to have Liverpool’s number 10 come back from injury and have that option, but it’s also a risk. If Liverpool bring him back too soon and he’s slightly off-game, it may upset the status quo, but also it’s perfect for Klopp’s rotation process.
In the next few weeks, Liverpool will need to play highly competitive games in the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. Many pundits, and notably managers, including Pep Guardiola, have said that the Premier League is already over, but officially, Liverpool still need six wins to take their elusive trophy. Klopp will want to ensure that his top players are there to cement this year’s Premier League campaign in history after a 30-year wait. A tough challenge also comes in the form of two legs against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16.
Having previously lost to Spanish teams Sevilla and Real Madrid in European finals, and seemingly flying toward Premier League glory this season, this is one of the toughest tests that Liverpool will face. With the team due to face tough competition in the Champions League in the coming weeks, Mane’s return to the squad is a real boost for those upcoming games. If Mane retains his impressive form, Klopp will be able to rotate his squad as he’ll want to play some senior players against Chelsea in the FA Cup too – even though recent games have seen him controversially opt to only play the younger players.
Just looking at some of the stats relating to Mane and watching him nip past defenders, shows why he’s such a fearsome player and an integral cog in the team. Last year saw him win the Golden Boot along with teammate Mo Salah on 22 goals apiece. He currently has 11 goals this season, falling slightly behind Mo Salah, who is on 14. He’s played five games more than Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, albeit in a different position, and has eight more goals than his closest competition. A start against bottom-placed Norwich on Saturday could do wonders for Mane’s confidence and fitness, while keeping him as the manager’s first-choice attacking left-wing forward.
Mane is still ahead of Roberto Firmino in goals scored and there is still a chance for him to compete for top goalscorer, although City’s Sergio Aguero leads with 16 goals already this season. Even though Manchester City haven’t shown their ruthlessness in the Premier League this season, Sergio Aguero has still managed to take advantage. With Mo Salah keen to add to his goal tally and compete for the Golden Boot, we could see the competition flare-up between the Liverpool attackers once again. An exciting prospect for Liverpool fans and neutrals alike.
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