3.Sadio Mane
Mane is expected to be the star player in Senegal’s line up in Russia. Amendments are in order for the missed penalty at the African Nations Cup last year from the winger, which would be enough motivation to the Liverpool star to dazzle on the field.
Having thoroughly established himself, this 25-year-old managed to score 14 times with 8 assists in just 29 appearances for the Reds.
Playing on the left flank of a four-man midfield, Mane wasn’t really a factor in this game, a different role to the one he’s excelled in for Liverpool, and often found himself helping out the Senegal defence.
Their more penetrative attacks against Poland came courtesy of Niang or Ismaila Sarr from the right and centre, rather than Mane from the left. The flip side of that is that tougher tests will lie ahead, and Mane will need to play better if Senegal are to have a good World Cup.
With Mane bringing his best form to Russia, Senegal might exceed expectations in Russia to qualify from Group H as they face an unpredictable Japan and woeful Columbia next.