Rio Ferdinand: Mane is a ‘nightmare’ for defenders

Sadio Mane returned to Liverpool starting eleven on Wednesday night against Red Star Belgrade following surgery on a broken thumb.

The flying winger missed the win over Huddersfield on Saturday after breaking his thumb on international duty with Senegal.

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool celebrates with teammte Sadio Mane after he provides the assist for Liverpool’s first goal, an own goal by Wesley Hoedt of Southampton during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on September 22, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

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And former Man United and England defender Rio Ferdinand believes that the Sengelese attacker is vital to Liverpool attacking success.

Speaking on BT Sport, he said:  “Yeah 100 per cent (Mane is very important) and I think that was highlighted at the weekend,” Ferdinand said of the Liverpool man on BT Sport.

“He missed the game at Huddersfield at the weekend and what he does give them is legs and the willingness to run behind.”

“For a defender, that is a nightmare.

“And when he does that, it opens the spaces for the likes of Firmino to drop in.

“His link-up play is second to none at the moment Firmino.

“He comes in short, draws defenders, makes them think, and this guy always runs in behind.

“He’s always threatening that space in behind to exploit and get goals.

“Here you see Firmino goes deep, who’s going to be up against the last defenders? The man you want to be in there.

“And this is what I love about him, snap-shot, bang, goal.

“No second thoughts and he’s fantastic.

“I just think that extra bit of dynamism, bit of pace, is something that is a huge threat for defenders, puts them on the back foot and allows space for midfielders.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com