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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Elliott Jackson & Bobby Vincent

Cesc Fabregas makes big Sadio Mane statement as Liverpool beat Chelsea

Cesc Fabregas has labelled Liverpool star Sadio Mane as the best player in the Premier League after his brace against Chelsea.

The Reds took full advantage after Andreas Christensen was sent off just before half time, with Mane scoring twice in quick succession after the restart.

The first a bullet header after slick build-up down the opposite flank, whilst the second was a gift from Kepa Arrizabalaga but forced after Mane's relentless response to giving away possession.

The Senagalese forward hounded the Chelsea goalkeeper after a stray pass, before intercepting the ball and turning in from close range.

While the finish itself was simple, the work rate to win the ball back epitomised why Mane has become one of the best players in the division.

Or, in Fabregas' eyes, the best, as he wrote on Twitter: "I’ll say it again. Mané best player in the League."

After the goal, the Reds star was eulogised by Neville, who believes Mane is the perfect example of how any world-class player should act.

“He’s an exceptional talent but his work-rate is equally exceptional," he said during co-commentary.

"He presses, he harasses, he does everything you’d want a footballer to do. On-the-ball and off-the-ball, look at that reaction to giving the ball away, the anger, the anticipation.

"Forget Kepa, we know he takes a chance, Mane knows he takes a chance, it’s brilliant from the Liverpool forward.

"If you’re a young footballer, or a fan watching at home, that’s an absolute example, when you give the ball away - that’s how you react and he does it time and time again.

"All of that Liverpool front three do, their work off-the-ball is brilliant to watch as well as their work on-the-ball, their goals and assists.

“It was really a joy to watch. It’s brilliant to see the best players working the hardest.

"They’re already both (Salah and Mane) at an incredibly high level and their work-rate is fantastic.

"We talk often and almost try to make excuses for players who have talent but don’t work as hard.

"We should never, never forgive it because we see the very best players do it week-in, week-out, doing the right things.

"He doesn’t have to do the hard yards, he doesn’t have to do this, he doesn’t have to do that - yes he does, because Sadio Mane’s doing it."

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