#4 Sadio Mane
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Mane has made a tremendous difference to Liverpool with his pace and direct running, which were some things that Klopp was missing in the team of last season.
Mane has eight goals and four assists in 17 Premier League appearances this season, but his contribution to the side stretches much beyond the numbers.
He presses really well and he presses high up the pitch. The press is a critical aspect of the game for any side that Klopp manages and with the Liverpool defence capable of being extremely shaky, it is important that Liverpool try and win the ball high up the pitch so that the defenders have no much to do.
Apart from that, Mane is always an outlet to pass to relieve the pressure from the midfielders. He has raw pace, but he uses it very intelligently, and knows when to hold up his runs and when to go at full throttle. He has formed a very effective partnership on the right flank for Liverpool with Nathaniel Clyne, and the duo are a serious threat going forward.
His strength is also a huge part of his game. Added to his technical ability and dribbling prowess, Mane’s ability to shield the ball and hold off defenders is a hugely significant part of his game, which he showed that on his competitive debut for the club against Arsenal on the opening day of the season.
Mane received the ball on the right flank and held off the advances from Nacho Monreal, Calum Chambers and Rob Holding before unleashing an unstoppable left-footed shot into the top corner.
Grade – 9/10 – He has been a significant part of all the good things that Liverpool have done this season, and the team will miss him when he leaves to represent Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations.
