Jamie Carragher hopes that Sadio Mane will be ‘the guy’ for Liverpool this season after a below-average 2020/21 showing from the forward.
The Sky Sports journalist said: “I am just wary a little bit with Liverpool, after last season going into this season, as to whether there are enough goals in the team for them to go and win the title.igh h
“I am expecting a big season from (Sadio) Mane. He didn’t have his best season but he’s looking really sharp in pre-season, hopefully, he can be the guy who can plug that gap in terms of goals.”
INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA – JULY 29: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Sadio Mane of Liverpool scores the opening goal for Liverpool during the Pre Season match between Hertha BSC and Liverpool at Tivoli Stadion Tirol on July 29, 2021 in Innsbruck, Austria. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Last season, Mane really seemed to struggle with the long-term effects of COVID-19.
The former Southampton speed demon struggled with his stamina as he battled to maintain his bursts of pace into the second half and often faded after the interval.
This saw Mane regularly replaced in the second half but with a much-needed pre-season break, he seems to have recharged his batteries and looks to be ready for the new season.
UNSPECIFIED, AUSTRIA – JULY 28: (THE SUN OUT. THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Sadio Mane of Liverpool during a training session on July 28, 2021 in UNSPECIFIED, Austria. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Mane is worth £76million even after what is a sub-par season according to his high standards.
He scored 16 goals and got 9 assists last season and if he can improve on that he can help Liverpool return to the top without any fuss.
Even if Mane does return to his best, Liverpool are in need of competition for Roberto Firmino, who seems burnt out after a few years of non-stop football.
Hopefully, Jurgen Klopp can ease him back into things to let him recharge as the Brazilian has been such a key player for Liverpool the last few years.
