Liverpool are missing Sadio Mane’s goal-scoring abilities, according to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Oxlade-Chamberlain started his third consecutive game last night as Liverpool lost to Brentford. The 29-year-old has been doing his best Mane impression on the left wing in the absence of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota
Last night, that impression included a well-taken headed goal that any Senegal legend would be proud of. In an interview with LFCTV following the 3-1 loss, Ox said he tried to learn from his former teammate’s game
“I’ve watched Sadio and Mo play that position for years, and one thing they both do exceptionally well is provide goals for the team,” the forward said
“It’s a little different when Darwin is playing through the middle because he’s such a threat in behind. Bobby usually drops a little deeper and fills that half space when he plays that role
“That has been my role from there, being the one who drops deep and tries to link but ultimately get up with Darwin and Mo’s pace and get in and around the box. That’s what I’ve been missing the last few games, that real goal threat, so it was nice to get that chance and take it tonight – it’s just a shame it doesn’t mean anything
Liverpool has lost their’mental monster
This season, much has been made of Liverpool’s struggles without Mane. On nights like yesterday, it’s easy to overlook the Ballon d’Or runner-up
However, it should be noted that the 30-year-old was not the most clinical finisher either. During his six seasons with Liverpool, Mane scored 130 goals. He could have had dozens more if he had been a more natural finisher
However, it is fair to say that Liverpool misses their former No.10 to some extent. He never demonstrated a weak mentality. Mane’s steely will to win could help the Reds as they transition from complacency to fragility
‘Sadio Mane is more determined than you to win the title.’ So the saying went after the Senegalese led Liverpool to victories in both 2018/19 and 2019/20. Whatever his teammates’ attitudes were, Mane never hid or lowered his intensity
As a result, it’s possible that Liverpool misses him far more than his goal threat. With the addition of Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz to the squad, Jurgen Klopp has plenty of firepower in that area of the field
But you can’t replace the effect of having such a mentality monster around the team on a daily basis. Mohamed Salah, as Ox mentions, is another role model for his teammates. Things are certainly different without Mane.
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