OPINION
Sadio Mané scored both of Liverpool’s goals in the UEFA Super Cup match against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
They weren’t enough to win the game in extra-time but Liverpool triumphed on penalties after new signing Adrian saved from Tammy Abraham.
They were enough to put Mané level with Raheem Sterling for most 2+ goal games for a PL club across all competitions in 2019. They’ve both hit a brace six times in 2019 – the next closest player is on three.
?? Most 2+ goal games for a PL club in all competitions in 2019
6? Sadio Mane, Raheem Sterling
3? Nine players pic.twitter.com/a1aYLKGetj— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) August 14, 2019
They also leave his 2019 numbers looking breathtaking alongside Mohamed Salah. Mané has scored 18 goals for Liverpool in 2019 compared to 12 for Salah and seven for Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi.
??Most goals for @LFC in 2019 ??
1?8? Sadio Mane
1?2? Mohamed Salah
7? Roberto Firmino
7? Divock Origi pic.twitter.com/IVEEukbUA8— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) August 14, 2019
Salah continues to get the most headlines at Liverpool after his incredible debut season. 32 goals in 36 Premier League games will do that to a player.
Scratch beneath the surface and you can see that he still deserves them.
According to Wyscout.com, taking stats for the 18/19 Premier League season averaged out per 90 minutes, Salah is hands-down the most important player of the Power Three for Liverpool.
Interestingly, while Mané scored the most goals per 90, his xG was lower than Salah’s and closer to Firmino’s, and it seems surprising given the way Liverpool play that he only registered two assists to Salah’s 11.
There’s no doubt that Mané is on an incredible goal-scoring run in 2019. There’s also no doubt that all three of Liverpool’s attackers complement each other and bring the best out in each other.
Salah is the complete attacker though and continues to impress – he’s already scored and added an assist in the first Premier League game of the season and he’ll have his sights on Southampton next.
He’s got everything in his locker and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping he stays on Anfield for many years to come.
