West Ham forward Michail Antonio has lauded Sadio Mané as Liverpool’s unsung hero during their golden era under Jürgen Klopp, insisting that the Senegalese star did not receive the credit he deserved for his pivotal role at the club.

Speaking to JoySports’ Muftawu Nabila Abdulai on Prime Take, Antonio declared Mané as Liverpool’s standout player during their most successful spell in recent history.

“Mané, for me, was unplayable,” Antonio said. “I feel like he was under-appreciated at Liverpool. I don’t think the club or even the fans fully understood the quality he brought and what he did for the team.”

Antonio acknowledged Mohamed Salah’s brilliance and prolific goal-scoring ability but stressed that Mané’s all-round contributions went beyond statistics.

“Obviously, Salah was unbelievable, and he still is with the amount of goals he scores. But what Mané did for the team was incredible. He brought everyone together—his goals, assists, and work rate were unmatched. For me, Mané at Liverpool was unbelievable,” Antonio added.

Mané was integral to Liverpool’s dominance under Klopp, forming a lethal attacking trio with Salah and Roberto Firmino. His ability to combine flair with a relentless work ethic helped the Reds secure major titles, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FIFA Club World Cup.

Despite his immense contribution, Antonio believes Mané’s efforts were often overshadowed, particularly by Salah’s individual accolades.

After leaving Liverpool in 2022 for Bayern Munich, Mané now plies his trade with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, where he continues to shine on the global stage.

“Mané’s value went beyond goals. He was the engine, the leader on the pitch, and the player who made everyone around him better. I think history will show just how crucial he was,” Antonio concluded.