Charlie Nicholas heaped praise on Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane while predicting the Reds to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are set to face Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday and the Sky Sports pundit believes while it will be a close encounter, the Reds will have enough to “sneak” it.
Nicholas highlighted Mane in his prediction as he claimed the Reds forward was “absolutely to die for” right now as he was on the top of his game.
“It is a difficult place to go,” said Nicholas on Sky Sports News (14:32, Friday, November 22nd).
“This is a different Liverpool, got the drive, I went for a close encounter, 2-1 Liverpool, last time I remember this, there were a couple of clumsy tackles and Zaha got a penalty.
“I think this man Mane is absolutely to die for right now, he’s on the top of his game, so Liverpool just to sneak it.”
OPINION
Nicholas is a fully-fledged member of Mane’s fan club based on his latest remarks as it’s not often that you hear a pundit claim a player is to die for. However, it’s no surprise that the Reds attacker has garnered such kind words ahead of the clash with Palace, as he has been in fine form this season. Mane has scored 11 goals and racked up five assists in his first 17 outings of the season, and looks absolutely lethal anytime he gets close to the goal. The 27-year-old has averaged a goal every 137 minutes this season, across all competitions (Source: BBC Sport), and that’s no surprise when you consider 59% of his attempted shots are hitting the target, as it shows he is making the most of his opportunities when getting within shooting range. With Mohamed Salah potentially missing Saturday’s clash with Palace, it’s a testament to Mane’s talents that you feel Klopp’s side will be able to cope without the Eqyptian on this occasion.
