Aliou Cisse believes his star-man Sadio Mane is one of the world’s best top three players as he unveiled his 23-man roster for the World Cup in Russia.
The 26-year-old attacker is due to feature for Liverpool in the Uefa Champions League final against Real Madrid billed for May 26th.
But Cisse rates his skipper highly, describing the wide-man as one of the best players in Senegal’s history.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Today, Mané is one of the best players in the history of Senegalese football. If he is not the best, then he is one of the top 3 or top 4,”[/perfectpullquote]
he said of the ex-Southampton playmaker in press conference this week.
He continued: “I have a special relationship with Sadio. I do not talk to him all the time on the phone. From time to time, I send him messages so as not to disturb him too much. Because, I know that currently he must be receiving phone calls everywhere.
I was a player and I know that at times a player needs to be alone and be in his world. And he knows that I am with him, the country is with him, the continent is with him. The finals are won. I hope that Saturday (on day of the final) brings even more in the history of Senegalese football.’
Meanwhile, the Taranga Lions’ gaffer has named his 23-man squad bound for the Russia plane.
Goalkeepers: Khadim Ndiaye, Abdoulaye Diallo, Alfred Gomis
Defenders: Kara Mbodji, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Wagué, Cheikhou Kouyate, Saliou Ciss, Youssouf Sabaly, Lamine Gassama, Salif Sané
Midfield: Pope Alioune Ndiaye, Idrissa Gana, Alfred Ndiaye, Sheikh Ndoye
Strikers: Sadio Mané, Diao Baldé Keïta, Ismaila Sarr, Diafra Sakho, Moussa Konate, Moussa Sow, Mbaye Niang, Mame Biram Diouf
