Why ye laughin’ for? I’m being serious
Sadio Mané was the star of the show for Liverpool against Chelsea on Sunday, as the Premier League champions cruised to victory at Stamford Bridge. They were aided by the calamitous decision making from Andreas Christensen, which led to his red card, and Kepa Arrizabalaga playing like Champions League final Loris Karius to gift Liverpool a second goal. But even then, both mistakes were caused by Mané’s relentless pressure and intelligent running.
Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool player and current Sky Sports pundit, was so impressed by Mané’s display on Sunday – and his entire time at Liverpool – that he believes the winger could challenge John Barnes for a place in a Liverpool all time XI.
“I think he’s certainly one of the top, left-sided attacking players in world football,” Carragher said.
“For me, I always go back to Mané. He was the first big signing for Jurgen Klopp. That signing got Liverpool into the Champions League in Klopp’s first full season, and without that, I don’t think it goes on from there.
“He’s an absolute superstar.”
Carragher then went on to compare his headed goal against Chelsea to one Barnes scored for Liverpool back in the day, he claims against Aston Villa.
“We love John Barnes, we played with John Barnes. He’s always in Liverpool’s best XI,” he said.
“I think when Mané finishes, that is a serious discussion.
“I can’t believe I’m saying it, because John Barnes for me is like a God.
“But what that man has done since he came to Liverpool, he is going to be really pushing John Barnes for the all time Liverpool XI when he finishes, for me.”
🗣 Carragher: "I love him. He's an absolute superstar."
"I think when Mane finishes, he is going to be pushing John Barnes for the all time first eleven." pic.twitter.com/1U7ghrb66S
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) September 21, 2020
It sounds a bit mad, but then it also sounds obvious. Mané’s form over the past few years has been nothing short of world class. He is an elite attacking player, and we all should have listened to this fella a few years ago.
It’s insane how right this bloke was by the way. 🔮 pic.twitter.com/ZzREitf2eB
— Reubs (@ReubenPinder) September 20, 2020
