On this day in 2016, Sadio Mane started for Liverpool for the first time in a competitive fixture and he marked it with a wonder-strike against Arsenal in a thrilling 4-3 win at The Emirates. Since that day, the Senegalese sensation hasn’t looked back and he’s now part of one of the most feared front lines in world football.
On this day two years ago…
Mane made his debut. Mane scored his debut goal.
A different class. pic.twitter.com/Cncgg96Uya
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) 14 August 2018
The ex-Southampton mane might have been in danger of being overshadowed by Mo Salah last season but that simply wasn’t the case. The 26-year-old may have scored less goals than the magical Egyptian but he still managed to score 20 times and set up a further nine goals for teammates in just 44 appearances. Another stat for the electric forward is that he’s bagged himself four goals in three games on the opening weekend for Liverpool.
His two goals against West Ham on Sunday have put him joint first in the race for the golden boot and whilst it’s unlikely Mane will be up there to claim the award at the end of the season, his goals will be vital to The Reds if they are to achieve any sort of silverware this season. Last year saw Jurgen Klopp’s side come close to winning the Champions League before losing 3-1 in the final, with Mane scoring their only goal, however they’ll be looking to improve on their trophyless season this time around and it’s hard to see them not winning something.
You can read the Kopites’ Mane verdict here:
https://twitter.com/_SaucySadio/status/1029249855422513152
— Dilawar Al Balushi (@LiaquatDilawar) 14 August 2018
Better than Hazard
Imagine disagreeing
— □ (@BWT_R) August 14, 2018
Best player in the league, no debate
— Nick (@NabyRole) 14 August 2018
We Sadio. pic.twitter.com/LPtI0hbN6a
— Kop On! An LFC Podcast (@koponpodcast) 14 August 2018
The main mane pic.twitter.com/XoeyVYf4Nx
— king_salah (@LfcRedsYnwa) 14 August 2018
This has to be my favourite goal from him, was absolutely incredible that day.
— Connor Levett (@Knuckles_180) August 14, 2018
Mane is a massive fan favourite at Anfield and the fans will be hoping he can carry on doing what he does best at Anfield, scoring goals and playing with a smile on his face.
