Sadio Mane’s arms were extended, his fingers pointing skywards as Jürgen Klopp’s glasses fell off his face while he swung his body to generate more ferocity behind his fist-pump.
Anfield’s biggest crowd since 14 May 1977 - 53, 075 were in attendance on Saturday evening courtesy of the extra capacity from the redeveloped Main Stand - were promptly on their feet, puffing out their chests while performing ‘Poetry in Motion’ on repeat.
The Senegal international had extended Liverpool’s lead over Leicester following Roberto Firmino’s opener to spark the exhilarating scenes, receiving a backheeled pass from Daniel Sturridge before clipping it over Kasper Schmeichel.
The Premier League champions could not live with the hosts on Saturday evening, suffering a comprehensive 4-1 defeat, with Mane one of their tormentors-in-chief.
The £30 million summer signing from Southampton - Liverpool’s third-most expensive purchase ever - surgically slit Leicester open until his 93rd-minute substitution.
He was denied by Schmeichel before setting up his side’s fourth at the death, blitzing forward on the break and feeding Firmino for the Brazilian’s second of the evening.
When Mane was replaced by Alberto Moreno, he lifted supporters off their seats again; the away fans also applauding in appreciation, aware they had witnessed an attacking masterclass.
“When you play in a stadium like Anfield, you want to give your best and get an ovation at the end, so I tried to do that,” the 24-year-old said after admitting he thrived on the adulation during his home debut.
It was another inspired display from the speedster in what was an authoritative team showing; Claudio Ranieri conceding Liverpool had been superior in every department.
In just four appearances for his new club, Mane has been involved in five goals - three of them assists - the most of any player in the squad.
He is a trigger for the aggressive, relentless football Klopp wants his side to implement, and so it is no surprise that supporters have been quick to salute his contributions.
Mane’s introduction at Liverpool has been so impressive, in fact, that he is already being compared to exciting players of the club’s past - from John Barnes to Luis Suarez.
“I’m just pleased, because it is a great compliment to be compared to the legendary players. But I am still young and learning, and just need to give my best for the team,” he said in typically modest fashion.
Mane does not wait for opportunities to use his pace, he is forever harrying and hunting for opportunities to expose the opposition. He is never static, never switched off, and as such, is a scary conundrum for defenders.
“I will be happy if they are afraid of me, because it will make it easier for me,” he says, a slight smile on his face signalling his appetite to invoke such fear.
Mane’s lightning start at Liverpool is in part due to Klopp’s approach suiting his skills perfectly, and also a credit to the dynamic attackers he operates with. Against Leicester, he combined with Firmino and Sturridge to devastating effect, while also enjoying the link-up play with Philippe Coutinho both at Tottenham and Arsenal.
“It’s been easier for me [to settle]. When you are new it can sometimes be difficult to adapt to the team, but it is easy with great players like Daniel, Philippe and Roberto,” Mane explains.
He doesn’t plan on halting his rapid adjustment either, agreeing that he can still shift up a few gears at Liverpool.
“Yes, I am in a good way, but you have to work. That work started on the day I signed, and now I have to keep going in training,” he says.
“I want to show it in every game.”
http://www.talkaloadofbull.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2016/09/11/27407332/mane-happy-to-scare-defenders
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