Liverpool news: Sadio Mane tipped for unfamiliar role after injury news pre-Leeds – pundit
Sadio Mane is the best option for Liverpool down the middle in the absence of Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota, according to Paul Robinson.
The former Spurs and England goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Mane, 29, is more suited to the number nine position than Mohamed Salah or Luis Diaz.
Firmino and Jota both missed Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Norwich City on Saturday because of injury.
As quoted by club media (22 February), Jurgen Klopp confirmed the duo would also be unavailable for Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Leeds United.
The Reds can cut Manchester City’s lead at the top of the Premier League to just three points with victory over Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his thoughts on who should start down the middle at Anfield, Robinson said:
“Salah and Diaz work better out in the wide positions.
“Of course, Jota or Firmino would play down the middle if they were fit.
“Mane likes to come in off the left side but I think he’ll be the one who plays down the middle against Leeds. Mane is the most physical of the three available so I’d say he is better playing as the nine.
“It’s not an ideal situation though. I’m sure Klopp will be desperate to get Firmino or Jota back before the end of the month.”
Mane has scored nine goals in 22 Premier League appearances this season.
Only Jota, Salah and Raheem Sterling have scored more than him in the division this season.
In other news, a pundit has claimed Liverpool could sign next the Mohamed Salah after an ‘exceptional’ update.