Opinion: Liverpool goal-machine is a better option than PL star for transfer chasing giants

Since moving to the Premier League in the summer of 2014, Sadio Mane has developed into one of the division’s most decorated talents. Having initially impressed with Southampton, amassing a respectable total of 21 goals in 67 Premier League games; his progression and influence has risen significantly at Liverpool under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp.

In 85 league games for the Reds, the Senegal international has totalled 40 goals, an impressive return of almost a goal every two top-flight games. In all competitions, he has surpassed half a century of goals for Liverpool and has already equalled the number of goals he attained last season (20) in six fewer games this term. Unsurprisingly, the former Salzburg forward is being touted as one of the league’s supreme talents, and reputedly, he is attracting interest from Real Madrid.

Given the consistent annual increase in his statistical output and having testified his ability to shine on the most significant of stages, it’s entirely foreseeable that a team of Real Madrid’s stature are interested in the 26-year-old.

Without question, Mane has been integral in sustaining Liverpool’s title charge this season, contributing towards 19 league goals (17 scored, two assists) in 29 fixtures. Further, his involvement was hugely influential in reaching the Champions League final last term. In 11 Champions League fixtures, he contributed towards 11 goals (10 scored, one assist), which included goals in every knockout phase of Europe’s elite competition.

An accusation often levelled at Mohammed Salah is his inability to perform in high-,magnitude fixtures, particularly in domestic clashes against the Premier League’s top six teams. During his three seasons as a Red, Mane has proven to be a dependable figure in such games.

One of his critical strengths is his tactical adaptability and versatility. Mane is comfortable operating in any attacking position, and despite not demonstrating the same ruthlessness that Salah possesses in the final third, one could argue that Mane, from a technical standpoint, is the superior talent.

His recent goal in the Champions League against Bayern Munich exemplified his best-attacking qualities, attesting his diverse skill set. He demonstrated excellent movement to penetrate the Munich defence, his awareness and first-touch were phenomenal, while his finish – under exacting circumstances – was tremendous.

The Senegalese forward provides a favourable amalgamation of power, pace and precision. As mentioned previously, his close control is very refined, and his dribbling is piercing and purposeful. Also, and perhaps, more significantly, has been his ruthlessness in front of goal this season – especially inside the opponent’s penalty area. Most of his goals this season have been scored inside the area, and when presented with the opportunity, one expects him to apply the finish – such has been the extent of his renewed confidence and importance.

While Real Madrid have endured a woeful season, comparative to their typically impeccable standards, a player of Mane’s calibre and consistency would be of tremendous benefit to Zinedine Zidane’s side. Seemingly, the Frenchman has been ensured the use of the club’s financial muscle in the transfer market, particularly as Real confirmed a deal for Éder Militão shortly after the 46-year-old’s return to the Spanish capital.

One player that has been the subject of continuous speculation to Real Madrid is Eden Hazard, and while the Belgian is undeniably gifted, and is widely considered to be among the world’s best players, perhaps the prospective longevity and the improved goal-scoring record of Mane will further arouse Madrid’s curiosity.

In the form of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Champions League winners lost a truly clinical striker, a player operating at a level most players will never attain. While it would be wholly unrealistic to expect a replacement to emulate his goal-scoring prowess, Eden Hazard, one possible successor, has yet to amass 20 goals in a single season with Chelsea – only attaining that feat once in his career.

Most would agree that Hazard is the superior talent to Mane but, given that the former Southampton is a more consistent goal scorer and is two years younger than the Belgian captain, he could actually represent the most appropriate option. Irrespective of these comparisons to Eden Hazard, Mane is prodigious talent in his own right, and if a move to Madrid did materialise, then there are no qualms in my mind that he’ll continue to prosper in the Spanish capital.

A player that Liverpool can’t afford to lose, but one that could be rendered unable to resist the allure of Los Blancos.

from FootballFanCast.com https://ift.tt/2FKVXUz