Tips hat.
Despite injuries and international football commitments disrupting his debut season at Liverpool, Sadio Mané was one of the most important players for Jurgen Klopp’s men last season.
Aside from being a focal point for their attack, his blistering pace strikes fear into the opposition defence, and stops them from playing a high line.
Not only this, but Mané defends from the front and epitomises what Klopp wants in his ‘gegenpress’ philosophy. This being said, he does the most important thing that’s required of any attacker.
13 goals and 8 assists from 29 league games was some return in his first season at Anfield.
It’s also worth noting that three of Liverpool’s six defeats in the league, as well as three of their 10 draws, came when he was unavailable for selection.
Liverpool players with 10+ goals in the Premier League 2016/17:
Sadio Mané (13)
Philippe Coutinho (13)
Roberto Firmino (11)Even spread. 👊 pic.twitter.com/opOYfN3XxL
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 17, 2017
The Senegal international has become a firm favourite of the Anfield faithful, but during their recent pre-season match against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin, one overeager fan temporarily spoiled the game for everyone in attendance.
As for the game, Liverpool won 3-1. Roberto Firmino put the Reds ahead from the penalty spot, but Inaki Williams leveled things up for the La Liga side before halftime. Liverpool won the game though thanks to goals from Ben Woodburn and Dominic Solanke.
During the match, a pitch invader stepped onto the pitch at the Aviva Stadium in an effort to get a selfie with Mané.
As stewards raced over to the Senegal international, one of them dropped his hat before escorting the pitch invader away.
Take a look at what Mané did in the aftermath of the incident.
We can only take our hat off to him.
Thanks to JOE reader Adam Dawson for sending this in.
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