OPINION
The improvement of Sadio Mane under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool has been phenomenal in recent years.
There is no doubting how important the 27-year-old is to the Reds, who are much better off with his attacking work rate, pace, and positive attitude in their starting lineup.
Mane recently finished his season with disappointment after the Senegal international lost in the African Cup of Nations final against Algeria.
His inclusion in the tournament has led to the possibility that he may not feature in their Premier League opener against recent promotion winners Norwich.
Although the Canaries might not offer the best of tests for the Reds, Klopp’s men are always better off with Mane in the squad, who will be aiming to continue his form after winning his first Premier League Golden Boot award last season.
Speaking in a recent interview on Liverpool’s official club website, Klopp said: “He is now on holiday, not the longest one – he will be back on August 5, after the Manchester City game. That means he had two weeks. There is four or five days to prepare for Norwich.”
The German is surely playing a massive risk with his influential winger, who will only train for a maximum of five days before the start of the season, something that will surely affect his match sharpness in a Liverpool shirt.
Mane really proved his worth at Anfield last season, stepping out of Mohamed Salah’s shadow after the Egyptian enjoyed an incredible first year in Merseyside.
The 60-cap international [Transfermarkt] made last season his best yet under Klopp, and averaged an impressive 2.4 shots on goal alongside 1.4 dribbles and completing 1.3 key passes [WhoScored], proving he cannot only score goals but can also beat his man and set up an opportunity with ease.
Klopp must give Mane every chance of proving his fitness before their season opener against Norwich City, but there is no doubting the fact that the German is playing a risky game with the 27-year-old as the Premier League edges closer.
