Why Sadio Mané’s return to peak form is imperative for Liverpool’s success this season

The Senegalese international has ceded the limelight to the man-in-form, his teammate Mohamed Salah, whose goal-scoring exploits are the talk of the town.

Sadio Mané arrived on Merseyside – from usual suspects Southampton – in the summer of 2016, to somewhat divided opinion among the fan-base.

Those who had watched him at Southampton – including yours truly – found it his signing a tad underwhelming. Aside of the premium fee paid, the primary concern was Mané’s drop in form during the course of both his seasons at St. Mary’s.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Saturday, October 28, 2017: Liverpool’s Sadio Mane is challenged by Southampton’s Cedric Soares and Oriol Romeu during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

He seemed to cruise at one point and thereafter plateau or become inconsistent; add to that injury worries, and some of us failed to comprehend what he would bring to LFC that we could not procure from elsewhere.

Jürgen Klopp knew exactly why he wanted the African international in his side; if last season’s form is anything to go by, Liverpool’s number 19 has vindicated Klopp’s faith in signing him.

Mané not only hit the ground running, he was in ferocious form throughout the season. His absence due to AFCON commitments seriously weakened the Reds attack and threatened to derail the season.

However, all was not lost and the Senegalese returned from international duty to resume playing in style, only for Klopp to lose him to injury during the fag end of fixtures.

READ MORE: Why February could be a make or break month for Liverpool’s season

MUNICH, GERMANY – Tuesday, August 1, 2017: Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring the first goal during the Audi Cup 2017 match between FC Bayern Munich and Liverpool FC at the Allianz Arena. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

He returned to fitness in pre-season and looked as sharp as ever when the new season began in August. Multiple reasons have contributed to his tetchy form thereafter.

The sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona and Daniel Sturridge’s loan move to West Brom in the January transfer window, adding to Adam Lallana’s unavailability in the short-term, has reduced the number of fall-back options for the coaching staff.

VIDEO: Hilarious LFC Carpool with Emre Can, Gini Wijnaldum and Sadio Mané. https://t.co/p6hgghYUp2

— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) February 2, 2018

Liverpool are in third position and poised on the cusp of what can be a promising Champions League campaign combined with a finish in the top four. Klopp needs Mané now more than ever, to rediscover a purple patch and propel the Reds to the best of what is achievable.

WATFORD, ENGLAND – Saturday, August 12, 2017: Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring the first equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Watford and Liverpool at Vicarage Road. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Roaring form at the start of the season

It is easy to forget how much the winger had contributed in the early part of 2017/18, starting from where he left off last season prior to his injury, leaving no doubt in fans’ minds that he was far from a one-season wonder.

Liverpool began the season away at Vicarage road and Mané was the first scorer of the 2017/18 season for the Reds.

It was also his sole goal that gave Klopp’s team all 3 points against bogeymen Crystal Palace in the following game.

The number 19 also found the back of the net during the home rout of Arsenal and provided an assist when Hoffenheim visited Anfield as part of the CL play-off.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Saturday, September 9, 2017: Liverpool’s Sadio Mane looks dejected after being sent off during the FA Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Disrupted rhythm

The visit to Etihad in September was a turning point for Mané this season. He looked unplayable early on, with the City defenders struggling to contain his pace and marauding runs.

Things changed in the 37th minute, following his red card after catching Ederson in the face with a high boot.

As unintentional as the challenge was, and as questionable as the opponent goalkeeper’s positioning of his head (he bent his head), the referee deemed it fit to send him off.

A straight red card – which was upheld following an appeal – ensured that Mané missed three games, only one of which Liverpool won.

He was drafted back in against Newcastle after the ban ended but missed 5 fixtures afterwards – including both legs against NK Maribor in the CL.

Starting the season with last season’s momentum was easier; the ban and injury applied untimely brakes on the forward’s rhythm. Since then, it has been a journey in search of the man who is only a shadow of himself at the moment.

It is to Klopp’s credit that he has afforded Mané the patience and encouragement to get back to what he is capable of, and the sooner that happens, the better it is for all parties.

Soccer Football – Premier League – Liverpool vs Chelsea – Anfield, Liverpool, Britain – November 25, 2017 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp hugs Sadio Mane after the match Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine

Confidence player

Mané thrives on confidence and had bucket-loads of it last season, owing to both – his performances on the pitch as well as the immense support he received from the stands.

While no one is short-sighted enough to write off the winger yet, the arrival of Mohamed Salah – who hit the ground running – has meant affections have been split.

He has shot wide from tap-ins, most recently against Swansea and headed without success (twice!) during the visit to Huddersfield Town mid-week. The former came under a bit of pressure while the Reds were already two goals up against the Terriers.

It just means that irrespective of the situation, Mané is slightly short on confidence – something that will come only when the goals start flowing.

This is a deadlock of sorts – scoring while confident and confidence stemming from converting; it is up to the forward to sort out things in his head, believe in himself and get his act together for the business end of the season.

READ MORE: Why Liverpool are taking a big risk by letting Daniel Sturridge leave the club on loan

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Saturday, December 30, 2017: Liverpool’s Sadio Mane scores the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Leicester City at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Patchy form, yet very valuable

A number of detrimental factors have led to Mané either not being available or able to replicate what he achieved in his debut season on Merseyside.

This, by no means, is a reason to write him off. For, even while not being prolific in front of goal, he has immense impact on the pitch and the ability to conjure moments of guile and threat from nothing.

He has scored 9 goals and assisted a further 7 in just half a season, despite being unavailable for more than a month due to a combination of injury and suspension.

It shows the telling impact and on-field presence he is capable of; that his coach and teammates trust him should help pep up his wanting confidence.

The back-heeled assist to Salah against Leicester and the delicate pass to Firmino against Huddersfield along with the goals against Burnley and Manchester City have been invaluable in recent days.

While he may not be at his peak – yet – he continues to give Klopp and the fans reasons to pin hopes on a Reds attack that lines up with him than without.

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Source: anfieldhq.com