Rio Ferdinand has described Sadio Mane as his “favourite” Liverpool player, following a fantastic performance against Atalanta.
The Reds tore their Champions League opponents to shreds on Tuesday evening, winning 5-0 at the Gewiss Stadium.
Every Liverpool player came away with their head held high, as Jurgen Klopp’s men produced a truly great away display.
While Diogo Jota was the man who stood out most, scoring a hat-trick, Mane was also exceptional, finding the net himself and producing a wonderful assist for the Portuguese’s third strike of the night.
Speaking on BT Sport after the game, with quotes provided by the The Boot Room, Ferdinand gushed over Liverpool’s No.10, saying he stands out from the rest:
Some of the things he does in the match, you think: ‘how has he done that and looked so calm and cool and collected in that situation? He’s my favourite.
Read Liverpool Verdict
Mane really is a special footballer – one who has become genuinely world-class over the last four years.
There isn’t a superior left-sided player in world football, in my opinion, with the Senegalese consistently delivering elite performance, unlike the less consistent likes of Neymar and Eden Hazard, who are built up more by their social media presence.
Mane already has five goals and two assists this season, while his tally of 86 goals in 180 Liverpool appearances is a superb return for a wide player.
His all-round game is magnificent, whether it be his pace, finishing, creativity or work ethic.