Tuesday June 19th marks the day of the first round of the World Cup group games coming to an end, with Senegal vs Poland the final fixture before Russia kick off their second Group A tie.
Among those expected to star in the African country’s squad is Sadio Mané, who enjoyed a very prolific season at Liverpool alongside Mohamed Salah, who missed his nation’s first game against Uruguay on Friday.
Despite having a lot of expectations on his shoulders going into the tournament, the 26-year-old is fully prepared to carry them throughout, as he explained to France Football this week.
Among the various World Cup questions, Mané was also asked about Naby Keita, who will officially become a Liverpool player on July 1st after a £50m+ deal was struck with RB Leipzig last year.
He said: “I know him well. He’s more than a friend, he’s a brother. We already played with each at RB Salzburg (in 2013-14). We often speak on the phone. He’ll be very welcome. He’s a talented player who’s going to bring a lot to Liverpool.”
As for his Egyptian partner in crime at Anfield, Mané revealed: “With Mo, our relationship is very good. We get along well on and off the pitch. We spend a lot of time together. I’m sure Mo has the qualities to become the best player in the world. In my eyes, he can win the Ballon d’Or, and I hope he does.”
The pair scored 64 goals between them last season for Liverpool, 20 of which were under Mané’s name, including one in the 3-1 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid.
