NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Sadio Mane Explained
The Premier League’s Sadio Mane is a player that when in form, is one of the best players in the world, with his 22nd place finish in the 2018 Ballon d’Or rankings. However, when off form, inconsistency has crept into his game at times. As he remains one of Klopp and Liverpool’s favored attackers, check out our thoughts on the forward’s profile as a player.
As a fan or otherwise, 26-year-old Sadio Mane is a player that at times makes you want to hug him even via the television screen and equally as many times, requires some degree of self-control to refrain from chucking your remote at it.
“ In a beautiful show of athleticism, the Senegalese was the quickest to make contact with Fabinho’s perfectly timed chip into the box, eye balls out, his chest elevated to direct the ball to his feet assigned to expertly lunge it past David De Gea. The ever so enraptured Anfield choir’s interlude approved and the whole world confirmed, we were in the presence of greatness.”
Sadio Mane of Liverpool in action during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Liverpool and FK Crvena Zvezda at Anfield on October 24, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
(Oct. 23, 2018 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)
A few nights after missing countless chances in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Napoli in the champions league, he came out on top in their 3-1 over Manchester Red, sending Liverpool Red to the top of the premier league standings. In a beautiful show of athleticism, the Senegalese was the quickest to make contact with Fabinho’s perfectly timed chip into the box, eyeballs out, his chest elevated to direct the ball to his feet assigned to expertly lunge it past David De Gea. The ever so enraptured Anfield choir’s interlude approved and the whole world confirmed, we were in the presence of greatness. He was undone, deep into the second half, with the scores tied, Mane was at it again. This time, nobody can explain what he did to Matic but in a fraction of a second, he was out of sight in a perfect position to tee up Shaqiri for Liverpool’s second with the aid of some deflection. But that is just one side of him, the side we all wish to see week in and out. There is however an explanation as to why he is almost always one of the first names on Jurgen Klopp’s team sheet even ahead of the weekend’s two goal hero, Xherdan Shaqiri.
It’s quite simple, yes he misses some clear cut goal chances but remains one of Liverpool’s most hardworking players. In a foot race, lightning quick Salah can hardly beat him but would surely outpace anyone in a marathon. Mane runs the entire 90 minutes, puts in the tackles, floors defenders with slick dribbles and holds his own against some of the strongest of defenders. He hardly goes missing in any game because of the superior physical and technical attributes. Mane is a hybrid forward, who can adjust to whatever shape the game takes.
He’s a man that’s not afraid of the moment. He proved that in the 2018 Champions League Final against Real Madrid, when a certain King Salah, who has scored 33% of Liverpool’s goals in all competitions to this point, went down with an infamous and still controversial shoulder injury in the 30th minute. Almost seamlessly, the Liverpool offense ran through Mane for the rest of the match, with the Senegalese playmaker pulling The Reds level in the 55th after a Karim Benzema goal that came 4 minutes prior.
We just have to accept that you will not find him scoring as much Messi, Ronaldo, Salah or Aubameyang – but offers his own unique skillset to the game.
Africans To Watch Out For In The UCL Round of 16: #1 Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah
We simply cannot tire to talk about this particular Egyptian. By now, you might have an idea why. The Liverpool forward has scored 30 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions, with five of those coming in the UEFA Champions League. He also knows a thing or two about assists, having made seven so far. He is inarguably one of the most dreaded forwards in the football world right now. Check out our Champions League Super XI article to learn how he made it into the list ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Africans To Watch Out For In The UCL Round of 16: #2 Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane
He might have scored just nine goals and bagged six assists so far in all competitions but the Senegalese’s quality needs no introduction. His three UCL goals came in just four appearances and clocked 31km/hr. top speed, more than Mo Salah. He has not had a spectacular season at Liverpool this time, not because of inability but largely the ingenuity of his African counterpart in the form of Salah. Their combination upfront is even a better show of brilliance than their individual performances. With Mane and Salah on one side and Brahimi and Aboubakar on the other, the Porto vs Liverpool match presents a marvelous show of African talent.
Mohamed Salah named 2017 BBC African Footballer of the Year
The Egyptian beat teammate Sadio Mane, Victor Moses, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and soon to be teammate Naby Keita to the coveted award. He scored 13 Serie A goals, and registered 8 assists for AS Roma in the 2016-17 season before becoming Liverpool and Africa’s most expensive signing when he joined the Merseyside club in the summer. He is currently the EPL top scorer with 13 goals from 16 appearances. Read more about who placed after Salah and previous winners of the award.