Now that the collective panic over the Burnley game has somewhat subsided (I hope), let's talk about something positive for a change? So far Mane is exceeding my expectations. We all knew about his pace and good goal-scoring numbers, but I've been pleasantly surprised by 2 things:
1. Interplay with teammates. Those of you who saw the early pre-season games may remember how Mane showed all the same pace and trickery, but looked to be playing almost separately from the rest of the team and therefore not being really effective. This concerned me somewhat, because this exact issue has been an insurmountable obstacle for countless other pacy, powerful wingers (Ryan Babel? Jordan Ibe?). Fast forward to today and Mane, despite being a newcomer, has already formed strong relationships with all the other attacking players on the pitch. You name it: Sturridge, Firmino, Coutinho, Lallana, Clyne – all of them are looking for Mane's runs to pass him the ball or use him as a decoy and he is showing that he can pass as well, not only run. A winger or AM with pace, strength, technique AND game intelligence can be a lethal combination...
2. Energy and desire. It's the 87th minute of a 5:0 cup game against a lower-league opponents and here is Sadio Mane going with full speed and intensity, tracking back and making runs forward, chasing lost causes and annoying opponents. Again, let's see how he keeps it up for the whole season (on a proverbial "cold night in Stoke"), but that's a very good sign. Right now he looks like the motor of this team.
1. Interplay with teammates. Those of you who saw the early pre-season games may remember how Mane showed all the same pace and trickery, but looked to be playing almost separately from the rest of the team and therefore not being really effective. This concerned me somewhat, because this exact issue has been an insurmountable obstacle for countless other pacy, powerful wingers (Ryan Babel? Jordan Ibe?). Fast forward to today and Mane, despite being a newcomer, has already formed strong relationships with all the other attacking players on the pitch. You name it: Sturridge, Firmino, Coutinho, Lallana, Clyne – all of them are looking for Mane's runs to pass him the ball or use him as a decoy and he is showing that he can pass as well, not only run. A winger or AM with pace, strength, technique AND game intelligence can be a lethal combination...
2. Energy and desire. It's the 87th minute of a 5:0 cup game against a lower-league opponents and here is Sadio Mane going with full speed and intensity, tracking back and making runs forward, chasing lost causes and annoying opponents. Again, let's see how he keeps it up for the whole season (on a proverbial "cold night in Stoke"), but that's a very good sign. Right now he looks like the motor of this team.
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