Liverpool have finally agreed a fee with Southampton of £30 million for the signature of Sadio Mane.
Despite many Liverpool fans sharing their concerns, Mane can be a very good signing for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
It’s another player Liverpool have signed from Southampton for quite an excessive fee, but who cares?
The perception that he won’t flourish at Anfield because it’s another deal done with the club hardly has any truth in it when you consider Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren all began to prove their worth under Klopp’s guidance last season.
Moreover, this is no longer the Brendan Rodgers era and if Klopp has identified Mane as a potential player that can add something to this Liverpool side then the fans must embrace this capture.
While Liverpool fans believe the club should be signing some of the best players in the world with Klopp in charge, it was never going to be the case without Champions League football – the Europa League final a painful and lasting memory for Kopites.
When looking at Mane’s strengths he certainly adds something this Liverpool side lack severely.
What was noticeable watching Liverpool last season was the lack of pace and width in the side. Klopp’s system is all about winning the ball early and springing as a unit, but the play was too direct and there wasn’t sufficient pace on the break.
His pressing and defending from the front won’t be an issue and Mane is more than capable of finding the back of the net. During his time at Southampton, Mane produced 21 goals and nine assists in the Premier League which is a credible record after two seasons at St. Mary’s.
However, his biggest drawback is clearly his erratic form patterns. Former Saints manager Ronald Koeman said last season that Mane is unpredictable and must be more consistent. This is the real challenge for Klopp because he’s working with a player who has enormous potential and must engineer a consistent and clinical edge to his game.
Attacking players such as Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino showed glimpses throughout the season of what they were capable of, but ultimately couldn’t do it on a regular basis.
When you look at Klopp’s previous jobs before taking the reins at Anfield, they all involved developing young footballers and making them better players. At 24, Mane represents a young powerful footballer who if nurtured properly by Klopp can deliver what all Liverpool fans will crave; consistency.
Liverpool’s boss has addressed key areas which looked weak at the best of times last season. Next on the agenda should be a centre-back, winger and defensive midfielder.
The Reds may not have the resources when compared to the likes of Manchester City, but Klopp’s record in the transfer market is outstanding and despite Mane coming in for a solid fee, he could prove to be the difference in tight games with his electrifying pace and ability to produce something out of nothing.
For Liverpool fans, patience and acceptance of Klopp’s new signings is required, especially with their latest big-money signing.
It’s time for the fans to show faith in the man who many believe can lead the club back to the glories day of old.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
