Klopp reveals what he told Mane after match-winning performance for Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp told Sadio Mane that he is a machine after yet another fine performance from the forward, which saw him score Liverpool’s winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.

The Reds fell behind at Villa Park on Tuesday night, but quickly equalised and it was Mane who completed the scoring with a well-taken header just after the hour mark.

It was Mane’s 15th Premier League goal of the season and his 22nd in all competitions as his fine form continues at the business end of the campaign.

He has scored in seven of his last 11 games for the Reds and Klopp could not stop smiling when talking about the crucial member of his incredibly dangerous five options up front.

‘He’s a machine, I told him that after the game,’ Klopp told Sky Sports.

‘Massive player, a massive player. Physicality is brutal, his mix of technique, desire and physicality.

‘In moments when everybody has a few yards in their legs, which you can see with him, to be honest.

‘Top goal, yeah, just a fantastic, world class player.’

Reds captain Jordan Henderson was also full of praise for Mane, but not just his offensive abilities, but how he helps the team in other ways.

‘His performances are always incredible, the amount of work he does for the team off the ball as well,’ said Henderson.

‘Defending at the end, winning the ball high up, his quality in and around the box, you see with his finish as well.

‘All the gym we do, the neck muscles to generate the power for the finish gets us the three points.’

Those three points take Liverpool level with Manchester City on points at the top of the table but three behind on goal difference and having played a game more.

MORE : Liverpool keep Premier League title hopes alive with narrow Aston Villa win

MORE : Jurgen Klopp explains Mo Salah omission for Liverpool trip to Aston Villa

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