Sadio Mane has become even better since recognising himself as a “world-class” player, according to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Since arriving from at Anfield from Southampton in the summer of 2016, Mane has scored 40 goals in 87 appearances across all competitions for the Reds.
Dips in form have hindered Mane’s rise at times during his Liverpool career, but the Senegal international scored ten goals in 13 Champions League games last term and has started this season in fine form.
And Klopp, who made Mane one of his first summer signings as Liverpool manager, believes the forward’s newfound self-belief is pushing him into the “world-class” bracket.
“He is an outstanding player, I never had any other opinion,” Klopp said, according to Sky Sports.
“He needed more confidence when he came in, the start was really good but I think he was a bit surprised by himself.
“Everything was good until the first time his shape dropped a little bit and then he struggled a bit with that, because he needed to get used to [the fact] that he is a world-class player.
“Now, he knows that much better. That helps us. He is a really good player. Since he came in he helped the team so much, he improved so much. He is an outstanding offensive player.”
Mane in a deeper role?
Only three players – Sergio Aguero (8), Eden Hazard (7) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (7) – have scored more Premier League goals so far this season than Mane – the 26-year-old is level on six goals with seven other players.
That said, Klopp believes Mane could be played in a deeper role despite his evident goalscoring ability.
Klopp added: “If you ask me if he is a striker, yes, from time to time. Is he a midfielder? Yes, from time to time.
“He can probably play a slightly deeper position as well – we don’t have to play him there because we have other players there – but he could play it as well.
“He is physically strong, technically strong, he is unbelievably quick, he is quick in mind as well, and he is a good shooter with both feet. That makes a good player and he is a fantastic person.”
Mane has formed a lethal attacking kinship with Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah – the trio scored 91 goals between them across all competitions last season.
The post Sadio Mane needed to realise his “world-class” ability – Jurgen Klopp appeared first on Squawka News.
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