Micah Richards shocked by how good one Liverpool player has become, didn’t expect it

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Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has been praised by Micah Richards, who admits he didn’t expect the Reds star to become as good as he has done.

The 28-year-old joined the Anfield ranks from Southampton in 2016, and has made 210 competitive appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side, registering 93 goals and 41 assists.

Admittedly, this season hasn’t been the easiest for Mane, who has registered just seven goals and six assists in the Premier League this season.

However, Mane did score crucial goals against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, and registered assists against Wolves and Arsenal in the league.

Richards and Alan Shearer spoke on Match of the Day Top 10 podcast about the Premier League’s finest strike partnerships, and Mane and Mohamed Salah made the cut.

“I look at these two and wonder whether they actually want the other to score,” Shearer said, as transcribed on BBC Sport.

“They have been deadly though, and I do think Roberto Firmino helps them in that sense because he has been the link-up to allow them to have a free role.

“Their goalscoring record is ridiculous. They are almost impossible to mark when they are on their game.

“There is a desperation, a need and a want from Salah to put the ball in the back of the net.

Richards added: “I believe that about Salah, I’m not sure about Mane, though. I think Mane is a better story too – I didn’t expect him to become this good when he was at Southampton.”

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Mane hasn’t quite hit the same heights this season as he has in previous campaigns, but he’s not the only player whose form has dropped during what has been a very difficult season at Anfield.

However, he’s bound to bounce back – and of course there’s no denying the impact he’s had at Liverpool since his arrival, which has rightfully seen him recognised as a Premier League icon along with Salah in the latest MOTD podcast.