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Bayern Munich blueprint proves Sadio Mané AFCON reminder is worth a new Liverpool contract

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adeleyekunle ❚ 3 years ago❚

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When Sadio Mané was clean through on goal in the final minutes of Senegal’s semi-final with Burkina Faso, his finish carried all the elements of a forward who was in form and confident, IgbereTV reports.

A deft chip gave the goalkeeper no chance as the Liverpool winger sent his country through to the Africa Cup of Nations final, but more importantly, it was a finish that provided a glimpse of a player that will return to Merseyside next week.

The 29-year-old has looked a different player in some games during AFCON. His explosiveness on the wing is back, with a willingness to get past players reminiscent of Mané when he first arrived from Southampton.

The instinctiveness he showed during his wonder goal against Arsenal has been missing at times this season, and that has raised some questions about whether he would stay at Liverpool beyond 2023.

The Reds winger has underperformed in expected goals (xG) in the Premier League this season, with eight goals from 10.3 xG. Some misses have been more costly than others, but while he remains a crucial part of the front three, Liverpool fans have become accustomed to much more.

As Mané enters the final 18 months of his contract, recapturing the form that once saw him ruthless in front of goal couldn’t have come at a better time. Jürgen Klopp has all the resources in his armoury for multiple trophy parades this season, and a resurging Sadio Mané will only bolster Liverpool’s chances.

Perhaps the most convenient aspect of his return to form could be Liverpool’s capture of Luis Díáz. The Reds front three looked unbreakable before Diogo Jota’s performances began to earn him regular playing time, and if the Colombian winger enjoys a similar start to life, Mané will have a genuine contender for his position on the left flank.

Strength in depth remains one of the most important aspects of building a dynasty that can consistently deliver trophies, and sometimes that requires players to accept they won’t play in every game. FSG’s signings have ensured that there is less pressure on the shoulders of the front three. There has rarely been a Liverpool side so dominant across all areas of the pitch as this one, and Sadio Mané still has a part to play in that.

Turning 30 in April, the Liverpool winger who has already acquired legend status may begin to slowly lose strides of pace, but there is no doubt that his footballing ability is enough to remain at the top of his game. The most reassuring sign from AFCON is that Mané still has that explosive side to his game, even if at times it has looked missing this season.