Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reckons Sadio Mane is a big candidate for the Ballon d’Or, despite most believing it’s a straight shootout between Virgil van Dijk and Lionel Messi.
“Mane was the outstanding character, I would say – because he is a fighter… and efficient. He’s not scared of anybody. At the moment, he deserves huge credit,” the Frenchman told beIN Sports.
You can watch the video, below:
Arsene Wenger names his 2019 #BallonDor winner!
Thanks to @arsenesgame for their question. #AskArsene #beINWenger pic.twitter.com/bb5GlTlGlS
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) October 18, 2019
Mane finished last season as a Premier League Golden Boot winner – all the more impressive considering he scored no penalties in the process.
He also helped his country to the AFCON Final, although Senegal sadly lost to Algeria.
This term, he’s been our best player and has eight goals already – an insane return considering the amount of defensive work he also gets through.
Mane is not going to win the Ballon d’Or, but no Liverpool fan underestimates his contribution to Jurgen Klopp’s brilliant Reds.
If van Dijk does receive the gong, it’ll be an award for every Liverpool player, really.