Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is in “phenomenal” form, and could be the best player in the Premier League right now, according to Danny Murphy.
The 27-year-old was instrumental in the Reds’ 5-2 derby win over Everton on Wednesday evening, scoring once and assisting two more as his side coasted to victory over their bitter rivals.
Speaking after the clash on Match of the Day (BBC One, 22.45), ex-Kop midfielder Murphy was eager to sing his praises.
He said: “The man up front, Mane, he was exceptional.
“He’s been phenomenal this season, probably the best player, for me, in the Premier League.
“He plays with such hunger, both ways, going forward and running back. His skill, his touch, his awareness.
“He’s become the main man.”
OPINION
What can you say about Sadio Mane that hasn’t already been said? The forward has transformed himself into a superlative talent in recent times, and Murphy is absolutely right – he is the main man for the Reds so far this season. His two assists on Wednesday were genuinely world class, and his goal was taken with the razor sharp composure and clam self-assurance that has become a hallmark of Mane’s game. He is currently ranked fourth in the Premier League for his form, as per Whoscored, and out of that quartet, completed by Kevin De Bruyne, Ricardo Pereira, and James Maddison, he poses the greatest goal threat by some distance. His reading of the game and intelligent movement has reached new heights so far this term, and if he continues to mine this rich vein of form, he has every chance of being up there with the very best in the world when the beans are counted at the end of the season.
