Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane has selected his dream five-a-side team from past teammates, creating a notable talking point with the omission of his prolific ex-attacking partner, Mohamed Salah.
Mane revealed his choices during a conversation with Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United defender. The Senegalese forward, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, named a formidable line-up heavy on defensive solidity and creative flair.
The first name on his team sheet was Liverpool’s defensive colossus, Virgil van Dijk. Mane placed the Dutchman in the highest echelon of defenders, directly comparing him to Ferdinand himself.
“He’s after you,” Mane told Ferdinand. “It’s you and Van Dijk. You know it, I know it. This is no discussion.”
Joining Van Dijk at the back was Kalidou Koulibaly, Mane’s international teammate with Senegal. The pair, who led their nation to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2021, are now both plying their trade in the Saudi Pro League, with Koulibaly featuring for Al-Hilal.
In midfield, Mane turned to a former Anfield colleague, Philippe Coutinho. The two shared the pitch for a season and a half before the Brazilian’s departure to Barcelona. Mane described Coutinho as “a special player,” recalling his exceptional form during their time together.
The attack features two iconic figures. The first is another former Liverpool favourite, Roberto Firmino, whom Mane praised in glowing terms for his character as much as his footballing ability.
“I never saw a football player and a human as kind in my life as Bobby,” Mane stated, highlighting the strong personal and professional bond they forged.
Completing the five-a-side selection is his current Al-Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. Mane lauded the Portuguese superstar as an unparalleled example for all footballers, saying, “He is an example for every kind of football player in the world. I have never seen another player like him, that’s for sure.”
