Sadio Mané-Attacker
If Virgil van Dijk is the defensive rock, then Sadio Mané is the attacking spark plug.
Before departing for the Reds, Mané supplied some truly unforgettable moments. Who could forget the record breaking 2 minutes and 56 second hat-trick against Aston Villa (NBC Sports), or the remarkable comeback brace against Friday’s opponents?
During his days at St Mary’s if the Senegalese star suffered from a weakness it was occasional inconsistency. This is an affliction the attacker has long since cured since moving to Anfield.
Sadio is one of the league’s top scorers (according to BBC sport), netting 17 times. Only Manchester city’s Sergio Aguero has more with 19. If the Saints defenders give up an opportunity to the 26-year-old than they should be extremely concerned. The former Saint has an impressive 64% conversion rate, according to BBC sport.
SFC have a much-improved defence since the last time the two sides met, but it is still going to be a mammoth task to contain Sadio Mané.