Pundit names troubles ‘playing on mind’ of Liverpool star on shock run

Liverpool legend John Aldridge says that the fact that Sadio Mane has not scored a Premier League goal in six games will be “playing on his mind”.

Mane has never gone as many games without scoring in the top flight since joining Liverpool in 2016.

Indeed, his worst goal-shy run of late came in the 2018/19 campaign. The Senegal international did not strike for Jurgen Klopp’s men for five Premier League outings between November and December 2018 (via Transfermarkt).

This season, meanwhile, he has not scored since the Merseyside derby in October. He almost netted in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Wolves, but his effort went in off Nelson Semedo.

As such, Aldridge has pointed out that Mane’s unusual run may be slightly troubling the winger. However, the Liverpool great backed him to return to the score sheet soon enough.

“I felt a little bit for Sadio Mane who deserved a goal for another tremendous performance and it was a pity the last one was taken off him and given as an own goal,” Aldridge told the Liverpool Echo.

“He’s playing really well but hasn’t scored in the league since the derby at Goodison and it may just be playing on his mind a touch.

“He seems to have lost a little bit of belief in front of goal and I know what that’s like but he’s just got to keep getting into the positions and the goals will flow again soon, I’m sure of it.”

Indeed, Mane’s constant goal threat – often at decisive moments – makes his case to be Jurgen Klopp‘s best signing at Liverpool.

The 28-year-old has scored 86 goals in 186 games for the Reds. Last season, meanwhile, he came up with match-winning contributions including his last-minute strike at Aston Villa.

Kelleher reveals brilliant Liverpool text

But while Mane and fellow winger Mohamed Salah usually steal the limelight for Liverpool, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has recently made the headlines.

The 22-year-old has made his Champions League and Premier League debuts in the past week, excelling in both.

As such, he reflected on his “mad” achievements in Wednesday’s press conference.

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