THE GUARDIAN: Senegal's 'little diamond' Sadio Mané motivated by high expectations

DTLW

 

Interesting article...I think we are just seeing the start with Mane. He will get better and be linked away (sigh). The journo also mentions Koeman's anger with Prowsey...he was pretty cross with JWP for not taking the ball for the penalty when Mane picked it up.

 

My Mane of the year after I so cruelly dismissed him after his first few games - but don't do that falling over stuff Sadio!

 

Blimey, the first line is a bit of a 'shoehorn' job by the writer!

 

I've been happy with Mane so far. He works harder and passes more than I thought he might.

I still think he's a bit of a headcase, and will leave the team without a second thought if a good offer comes in. But at least he's putting forth a good effort and seems to enjoy playing for us while he's here.

 

I think we have sussed out his best position over the last few games...playing slightly deeper and central just behind Pelle. He has been very influential in this position.
The only thing I would like to see from Mane is for him to stay on his feet and not hitting the floor at every opportunity

 

Yep, if he can cut out the diving (and start being more in the spirit of the team, as Ron would say), we've got a top player on our hands. Few creases to iron out though!

 

Mane is exactly what we need. And probably what most teams need. Raw, pacy, unpredictable. He has balls. Balls are good.

 

I get the diving comment - though I think he is an over-reactor rather than an out and out diver - but I can't see how he isn't "in the spirit of the team"? He works really hard, he passes the ball well, he always looks for space... doesn't that make him a team player?

Unless you mean his falling over is out of the spirit of the team? There are very few players who don't do it - some just do it more subtly.

 

Koeman has made a remark about Mane before...not being quite a team player. Can't remember context...sorry. And he didn't like him taking the ball for the penalty when he isn't the named player (though he disliked more that JWP didn't stop him). He definitely adds something to the team though.

 

Perhaps as an ego thing - but what I see on the pitch is someone you would be glad to play alongside. For me, a team player is someone who works hard on and off the ball and someone looking for the pass when the opportunity arises. He ticks those boxes in my view.

 

I think Koeman is a bit of a stickler...so his 'problem' with Mane may be minor. Or perhaps Mane needs the odd slap across the knuckles. May be our usual over analysis of everything said.

 

Mane doesn't weigh much. He is lightning fast and loves to take players on. He doesn't have a great eye for a pass..it means defenders are more likely to dive in to try to win the ball, or foul him. He will end up on the floor several times per game because of these things. Only Hazard gets fouled more in the league than Mane. I think it's bullshit to call Mane a diver.

 

I agree with you about the lad, but not the habit you seem to be acquiring of anticipating a downturn before the success has even been reached. Personally, I think he will be linked away, as all great players are, but I think Saints and he will grow together. In one, two or three seasons, he could be the main man down here.

 

You honestly don't think he goes down to easily sometimes/quite often?

I love Mane, but I can at least admit he often goes down too easily.

 

Koeman's remarked upon it a few times (being late, taking the ball from jwp off the top of my head).