‘UNIQUE’ MANE UP WITH SUPERSTARS

Spartak Stadium, Moscow KICK-OFF 4PM ITV SADIO MANE has been hailed as one of the best players on the planet ahead of his World Cup debut today.

Senegal boss Aliou Cisse (right) believes the Liverpool striker already belongs in the exclusive bracket of truly elite world players and will prove as much in Russia.

Mane (top, in training yesterday) is the player Senegal will look to for inspiration as they seek to match their predecessors, who beat holders France in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup.

Senegal are making their first appearance in a World Cup since then and coach Cisse – who captained the side 16 years ago – hailed Mane as a “unique” talent.

Cisse said: “I don’t want to say he could become one of the best players.

“He already is one of the best players, you have to stress this.

“You can’t think that he’s not one of the best – and he plays for Liverpool, one of the best European clubs.

“He’s shown that he is top notch with his club. Sadio has something absolutely unique, because he’s unpredictable, so nobody is really able to mark him or to stop him.

“He’s really great. At any point he can make the difference with a dribble, with a pass, whatever.

“So, for me, he’s really already among the best players.” Poland and Swansea keeper Lukasz Fabianski outlined the threat posed by Mane: “He has lot of qualities. He’s physically strong, very quick, technically advanced and has a nose for goals.

“But Senegal are not just Mane.

“They also have other players in the Premier League who are known for their aggressive style of play, recovering the ball and physically they’re always at the highest possible level.”