Liverpool have been horribly missing Sadio Mane this January. That much has been obvious to fans, pundits and the media alike.
The reason we’ve struggled without the dynamic Senegalese is because he injects pace and dribbling into our side, something our other attackers lack.
Jurgen Klopp will have also noticed this, although he didn’t buy another winger this transfer window and is unlikely to with days remaining until it closes…
He’s used Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino on the right usually, but in Sheyi Ojo, we have a player whose attributes most align to Mane’s.
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Interestingly, Ojo has claimed that Klopp has told him when he’s on the pitch, he needs to provide direct running and look to take on his man at every opportunity. This is exactly what we need from a wide attacker, but begs the question, why hasn’t he been used more..?
The 19-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com: “It was mainly just being sharp and direct whenever I get the ball, trying to use my qualities: my pace and my skills.
“I have to try to go forward as much as possible because that’s my job in the team – to go forward, create chances and score some goals.
“That’s been my main aim and if I get another opportunity, that’s what I’ll be looking to do.”
Ojo may get an opportunity on Saturday in the FA Cup versus Wolves, with Klopp likely to select a rotated XI with a crunch clash with Chelsea coming up on the Tuesday.
We’d like to see him take his chance.