In a recent interview with Europa Calcio (translated by The Metro), former Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko tipped Sadio Mane to seal a move to Real Madrid this summer when he said,
‘I think Sadio Mané is likelier to, because he has the characteristics that Zidane wants – he really rates him.
‘I think Sadio Mané will go to Real Madrid.’
Mane’s Stellar Form At Merseyside This Season
Mane has enjoyed his best season yet in a Liverpool shirt and is currently one of the favourites for the PFA Player of the Year award. He has put in several match-winning performances for the Reds and was instrumental behind their incredible 27-match unbeaten run in the Premier League this season.
The Senegalese speedster has scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists in 38 matches for the Merseyside outfit this term in all competitions. His outstanding contributions had put Liverpool in pole position to secure the league title before their season came to an abrupt halt due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak.
Mane has averaged 2.3 shots, 1.6 key passes and 2.1 dribbles per game in league football and the UEFA Champions League so far which explains why he has been one of the first names in Klopp’s teamsheet over the past eight months (stats via whoscored). What makes him such a feared attacker in the English first division is his ability to make driving runs with the ball and create chances out of nothing. The 27-year-old has also improved his finishing considerably during this campaign.
The Sedhiou-born talent also has a wealth of experience at the international level, having made 61 appearances for the Senegalese national side while netting 16 goals for his nation in the process. He will once again play a crucial role for Aliou Cissé’s team in the next edition of African Cup of Nations which is still scheduled to kick off in January 2021.
Why Klopp Needs To Keep Mane At Anfield For The Long-run
Mane has the pace and power to get the better of his marker in the final third. He excels at making penetrative runs with the ball and is always willing to take on the opposition in a 1v1 footrace down the wide areas. The Senegalese wide player has transformed himself into an accomplished finisher inside the opposition penalty box and has also picked up his fair share of assists this season. He has arguably been Liverpool’s best player this term, so Klopp cannot allow him to join Los Blancos this summer.
The Merseyside giants will be better off keeping him at the club for the long-run as he has been an invaluable member of their first-team. Klopp does not need to sell his star players during the summer transfer period as Liverpool are currently in a strong position financially which means that they will not be forced to sell to generate funds for other incoming transfers. The Reds manager should instead focus on letting a few of his fringe players leave so that he can make room for new arrivals in the off-season.
