Diouf: Mane is following in my footsteps

Sadio Mane

Saturday Aug 31, 2019. 14:00

Senegal legend El Hadji Diouf says current Liverpool star Sadio Mane is following in his footsteps in the way he is representing the West African nation.

Mane has been a top performer for the Reds since moving to Anfield from Southampton in 2016, and last season was his best yet: he co-top scored in the Premier League and was arguably Liverpool’s best player as they won the UEFA Champions League.

“[Mane] is following in my footsteps,” Diouf told FIFA’s official website.

“He’s doing an incredible job. He’s a fantastic ambassador for Senegal. Now he has a chance to write his own story.

“And on top of being a superb player, he’s also a great guy – humble, generous and always available for other people. We have a special relationship.”

Diouf, who won the League Cup with Liverpool in 2003, also talked about Mane’s understanding with Mohamed Salah and how well the two complement one another.

“You can’t have one without the other,” Diouf added.

“One of them’s left-footed [Salah] and the other’s right-footed [Mane]. Sadio needs Mo like Mo needs Sadio.

“They have the same qualities: speed of execution and skill in their final touch.

“Salah is perhaps a little more effective in front of goal because he puts in less defensive work than Mane, but I’ll say it again: you can’t have one without the other.”