Liverpool’s season has not started quite as well as many had expected, having only picked up two wins from their six league games, and suffering what Jurgen Klopp called “the worst game we played since I was here” in their 4-1 defeat to Napoli in the Champions League group stage.
And while Klopp emphasised after their humiliation in Naples that “it all starts with defending,” many are pointing their finger at the elephant in the room on what is their biggest change from last season; the omission of Sadio Mane.
With Mohamed Salah having an underwhelming start to the season, many are questioning whether Liverpool made the right choice in prioritising his contract, and letting Mane join Bayern Munich for an initial £27.4m fee this summer.
So, with the use of the detailed FIFA statistics ahead of the game’s release later this month, we delve into every in-game attribute to see who comes out on top between the departed Mane, his replacement Luis Diaz, and the electric Diogo Jota, to see if their current woes really are because they are missing their Senegalese forward. In-game Physical Acceleration: Diaz – 92, Mané – 91, Jota – 88 Sprint Speed: Diaz – 91, Mané – 90, Jota – 82 Agility: Mané – 93, Diaz – 88, Jota – 86 Balance: Mané – 88, Jota – 85, Diaz – 75 Reactions: Mané – 91, Jota – 87, Diaz – 83 Jumping: Mané – 87, Jota – 81, Diaz – 73 Stamina: Mané – 85, Diaz – 84, Jota – 83 Strength: Mané – 72, Jota – 71, Diaz – 69 In-game Skill Finishing: Mané – 86, Jota – 86, Diaz – 80 Shot Power: Jota – 85, Diaz – 84, Mané – 83 Long Shots: Diaz – 82, Mané – 78, Jota – 75 Volleys: Jota – 79, Mané – 75, Jota – 74 Penalties: Mané – 75, Jota – 69, Diaz – 63 Crossing: Mané – 78, Diaz – 76, Jota – 73 Free Kick Accuracy: Mané – 64, Diaz –