Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp showered praise on Sadio Mane after the Reds played a thrilling 2-2 draw against table-toppers Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last week. The home team was leading by 2-1 at the half-time break after goals from Kevin de Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus.

However, the tourists were able to bounce back just after the first half break as Mohamed Salah provided an accurate assist to Sadio Mane, who scored on his 30th birthday. Mane has been in sublime form for Liverpool as well as his country Senegal in the ongoing season.

Mane has scored 13 goals in 28 matches he has played this season for Liverpool and he has played an instrumental role in the success of the team.

Klopp was quoted as saying (via The Sport Review): “Everyone who played for us on the day contributed to an important result, but I did want to pick out Sadio. It was his 30th birthday on the day of the game and he still looks as fresh and vibrant as when he joined this club as a younger professional.”

Klopp rated Mane as a “machine” and said: “He is a machine. What he has done for this club and continues to do puts him in the bracket of ‘legend’. For Liverpool and Senegal, he is playing to his highest level possible. What’s exciting is how he is getting better and stronger. When you see how he looks after himself and his commitment to his profession, turning 30 for him really is only a number.”

Meanwhile, Mane played a key role in helping his national team win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Furthermore, he helped Senegal qualify for the FIFA World Cup after they defeated Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the third round of the qualifiers.

Sane will look to continue the good show for Liverpool in the remainder of the season. The Reds will once again face Manchester City in the semifinals of the FA Cup on Saturday.