Paul Merson has claimed that Liverpool’s decision to sell Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich this summer was “the worst deal ever”.
The Senegal star swapped Anfield for the Allianz Arena in a deal valued at £35m after winning every major trophy possible during his time on Merseyside.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have experienced a slow start to the campaign and it has been suggested that the former Southampton player’s departure is one of the main reasons behind the Reds’ current form.
“I said it from day one, in my opinion selling Sadio Mane was the worst deal ever,” the Sky Sports pundit told Sky Sports. “The guy scores big, big goals. Review them, first goals, draws, winning goals in the last minutes, great goals.
“He led from the front with his shutdown, and for me, what they sold him for, I just didn’t get it. Darwin Núñez is not in the same league right now. He not in the same league at all.
“Their problems at the back start from the front. They are not closing as a unit; you can continue how talented the forward three were, but they closed from the front. It only took one more pass and they would score.
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“Now they don’t, so teams get past that pressure, if there is one, then they’re in a midfield three that isn’t the best in the country, and then you’re running in the back four.
“How many players have raced at Van Dijk this season, compared to the last three or four years?
“It doesn’t matter how good a player you are when you have people running to your left, right and center.”
While we understand the comments Merson has made regarding our former No. 10, Luis Diaz has started the campaign off to a great start and continues to act as Mane’s replacement.
The Colombian is averaging a goal contribution every other game for the club this season and is one of the few Liverpool stars who can be proud of his efforts so far.
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The next step for the Merseysiders in the Premier League is Arsenal, who are in first place.
Mikel Arteta’s side are flying at the moment and will relish their chances of winning all three points against the FA Cup champions.
“I’m not a stats person so I’m just freaking out, but for me Mane was a great, great player for Liverpool,” Merson continued. “To sell it for £30m, which in the Premier League world is a cup of tea, wouldn’t it have been better to keep it and let it go for free?
“It’s back to bite them and it could cost them well over £30m by the end of the season. If Arsenal win on Sunday they are out of the equation in terms of Liverpool catching up with them, and then there are only two places left for the top four. If they win it, then they’re one of those teams that can run a little bit. Eight points against 14 points is a big difference.
“It’s ‘not to be missed’ for them. Liverpool are not catching up with Man City, so their season is already about being in the top four.”
We’re only seven games into the season, but if we don’t get back in shape quickly, this season is going to be disappointing.
We can still compete on the other three fronts, but many had us as their favorites to lift the league title this season.
Let’s hope for a great performance against Rangers in the Champions League tomorrow night to win all three points and a much-needed confidence boost.
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