‘Super modern’ Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is the new Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Ajax and Holland legend Danny Blind.
Mane has been in sparkling form for Liverpool this season, already netting 13 goals in all competitions, and Blind – father of former Manchester United defender Daley – believes he is similar to Ronaldo in the way he plays.
‘Sadio Mane is the new Ronaldo in world football. As an attacking player he is absolutely fantastic. I can go through all his qualities – and he is superb in every aspect,’ Blind told the Mirror.
‘He can score with his left foot, right foot and with sensational headers. He can give brilliant assists, he is an incredible athlete, and I could go on even more.
‘Mane is a super modern player. If you look at his skills, that is one great thing, but he is able to combine that with astonishing sprints right throughout the game.
‘That requires so much power. You have to be incredibly strong both physically and mentally. Sadio has it all.
‘I don’t compare Mane to [Lionel] Messi. I think Sadio is much more like Cristiano Ronaldo in his very best years.’
Mane – who finished fourth in the voting for the Ballon d’Or this year – was an unused substitute against Bournemouth at the weekend, with Jurgen Klopp rotating his squad ahead of the Champions League fixtures in midweek.
Read Also: Keita’s quality never in doubt, Klopp pleased to give Mane rest
The Reds face RB Salzburg in their final group game, needing at least a draw to confirm their place in the knockout stages of Europe’s premier competition.