Sadio Mane’s switch to fully fledged centre forward continued apace as Liverpool overcame Brighton 2-0 at The Amex Stadium.
With recent injuries to Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino, the Senegal international has moved from his usual berth on the left-hand side of the attack, instead being deployed as false nine.
In the four Premier League games Jurgen Klopp has played Mane in the position, the Reds have a perfect 12 points, scoring 12 in the process.
Mane’s immediate effectiveness in the new role has left supporters keen for him to sign a new contract at Anfield.
Whilst most of the attention regarding negotiations surround Mohamed Salah, Mane is also set to become a free agent at the end of next season.
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His versatility to play right across the forward line, means his importance is becoming increasingly apparent, thriving despite the addition of Luis Diaz.
The January signing, who has operated in Mane’s usual starting position has added real quality and scored the opening goal during the win over the Seagulls.
Salah scored the second goal from the spot and while Mane ended without a goal, his performance was arguably the standout of any player on the pitch.
He led the line proficiently, completing 95 per cent of his passes, all three of his dribbles and having four shots at goal.
With Roberto Firmino also set to be out of contract in 2023, he looks the most likely to be moved on as Klopp finally looks to evolve the attacking options at his disposal.
Jota looked to be the frontrunner for that role in years to come, but Mane’s recent form has him firmly in the conversation.
And Jota has previously stated he has no issues in moving position, having spent the majority of his time with Wolves playing wide of a central striker.
"I always try to do what the manager asks me to do," Jota said earlier this season. "At Wolves we sometimes played with three up front and I was on the left, because we had a proper main striker in Raul (Jimenez).
"When we played with two, I was up front. So it depends on what the manager asks me to do.
"I try to adapt and I think that's one of my main characteristics. I don't force anyone to adapt to me - I try to adapt to whatever is required and do my best.
"Maybe some people will say I'm not a proper false nine or I'm not a nine, whereas some others may like it.
“But whenever I'm on the pitch I aim to get goals and get the team reaching the opponent's goal. That's what I try to do."
Having gone years without needing to make any alterations to his forward line, Klopp now has options aplenty and Jota’s willingness to move could open the door for Mane to stick around as the club’s new centre forward.
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