‘He’s a natural’: Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro on Senegalese star Sadio Mane

RIYADH: Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro has praised the “natural movement and finishing ability” of Sadio Mane, as his Roshn Saudi League side prepare for an important run of fixtures.

Senegalese striker Mane, who signed from Bayern Munich in the summer, has scored nine times in all competitions for the Riyadh giants this season.

His latest strike was an extra-time winner against Al-Ettifaq, managed by Steven Gerrard, in the quarterfinals of the King’s Cup at Alawwal Park earlier this week.

The goal delighted Castro, who is hoping for more to come as second-placed Al-Nassr get set to face Al-Khaleej on Saturday.

Castro said: “On Tuesday he was on the right side, in the No. 7 position, and the cross came from the left wing, and he moved into the No. 9 position so naturally.

“His movement inside the box is excellent, it’s natural – as is his shooting. He knows how to score. He is a big player for the team.”

The fixtures are coming thick and fast for Al-Nassr before the next international break in the middle of the month.

After the Al-Khaleej match, Mane and his teammates travel to Qatar to face Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday before heading to Al-Wehda for Saudi league action on Saturday, Nov. 11.

“I have experience of this, I come from a country where we are used to playing every two or three days, so it’s just a matter of always making sure the players get the rest they need and that they are physically and mentally prepared for the next match.

“That for us is Al-Khaleej, and that is our focus,” Castro added.