Many players have shifted base from Southampton to Liverpool in recent years and if reports are to be believed Sadio Mane could be the latest to make the journey from the South Coast. Jurgen Klopp gave us a taste of what he could do with this hugely talent Liverpool team, after he took from Brendan Rodgers mid season last year. However a lot of work still needs to be done, in order to restore place amongst the elites of European continent. He has been told by the Liverpool hierarchy that he has backing to go out and get the players he wants and Klopp is moving quickly this summer to get his ready and firing before the campaign starts on August 13th.
Jurgen Klopp is excellent at Judging players, if we cast an eye on the players he brought in at Dortmund, we see how he smartly brought unknown talents and turned them into world class players. He understands the squad building process well, and will target players that fit into his tactical plan and have the right character to succeed. Mane will be the first big money signing of the summer, after efforts to lure Mario Gotze to Anfield failed. Jurgen Klopp is said to see the Senegalese forward as the perfect signing to boost our attack for next season. He has scored 25 goals and supplied 14 assists in 75 games for the Saints.
Let’s look at the few options Klopp can use to deploy Mane
1st Mane On The Right Wing
Sadio Mane is a very versatile player, who can deployed anywhere in the attacking midfield, though his preferred position is out on the right wing. The front four consisting of Firmino, Coutinho, Mane and Sturridge upfront is full of attacking potential and it is the best way to utilize Mane’s speed down the flanks. There will be creativity in the form of Coutinho, pace coming from Firmino and Mane and clinical finishing by Sturridge.
2nd Winger On The Left With The Freedom To Drift In
Mane’s main strength is his dribbling ability. His close ball control, mazy footwork and impressive turn of pace which makes him a nightmare for defenders. In this variation, Mane will placed on the inner left wing, where he can cut it, run at defenders and get in the box at every opportunity. Lallana will be deployed on the right side, in a position similar to where he plays for his national side. Coutinho will have the freedom to pull the strings from the centre while the two wingers complement Sturridge upfront.
3rd On The Right With Firmino Upfront
Given Sturridge’s horrible injury record, Klopp will be wise to keep this formation in mind. Mane and Coutinho can sit behind the striker on either side and supply balls into the box. Here, Firmino fills in for Sturridge as the No.9, which he did excellently well when he first arrived at Liverpool. This would allow Klopp to have an extra midfielder behind the trio to solidify the centre of the field.