'Mane was the quickest mind - just like in the derby'
Sadio Mane's speed of thought to snatch the winner against Crystal Palace reminded Jürgen Klopp of his dramatic Merseyside derby decider last year.
The Liverpool forward was the quickest to react when an attempt to link with Dominic Solanke at the edge of the Eagles area saw the ball spin into the box for Mane to run onto.
His finish was typically emphatic, clipped to the left of the goalkeeper to secure a first Premier League victory of the season for the Reds.
Having scored on the opening weekend at Watford, Mane was once again influential for Klopp’s men – and though the boss was reluctant to single out one player, he admitted his appreciation for the forward’s clinical instincts.
LFCTV GO: Watch Mane's winner against Palace
“The biggest thing the team did last year was getting fourth without Sadio for pretty much half a year. I wasn’t sure how long it was exactly but it was long,” said the manager.
“He’s made a big step but as you can imagine I’m not too happy about singing the big song about a player that early in the season.
“But he is important, everybody can see now he can change a game, that’s cool. Sadio can learn so much still, that’s really good.
“Sadio made a decision at the end which is very important. He’s there in those situations. It’s not the same goal but it was a little bit like the Everton goal [at Goodison Park], quickest in mind.
“Everyone thinks about how quick he is with his legs and that’s true but he’s quick in mind, that’s maybe the more impressive skill.”