Japan vs Senegal, World Cup 2018: Sadio Mane must get better as Senegal's games get tougher, scouting report

Mane is Senegal's main man, and despite scoring, must have a bigger impact on games

Sadio Mane said he takes “pride” in everyone talking about him as Senegal’s most important player. But relying on one man doesn't always work out at a World Cup: Argentina’s reliance on Lionel Messi sees them on the brink of elimination. Ditto South Korea and Son Heung-min.

Senegal have not lost any of their previous 14 international matches where Mane has scored, winning nine and drawing five, so it was no surprise to see their delight when he opened the scoring early against Japan.

Youssouf Sabaly’s shot was saved by Eiji Kawashima into the path of Mane who was in close range to bundle the ball over the line.

It was a strange goal, and certainly not one for Mane’s highlight reel, but it was evidence that no matter how hard Japan tried to contain Mane with marking from open play, his movement around the box is what makes him so dangerous.

At the break he had just the one effort on goal, if you can call it that, and had not made any key dribbles or key passes. But that was not necessarily a bad thing. By staying wide and stretching the game, sometimes taking himself out of the picture, it opened up lots of space for M’Baye Niang up front, who twice came very close to scoring.

As admirable as he tireless running and effort was, it was a second underwhelming performance at this World Cup from Mane.

His goal was hit first shot on target and that stat alone tells you he needed to get himself involved a lot more. Senegal manager Aliou Cisse made this exact point to the Liverpool winger during a break in play an hour into the game.

Mane often went missing in Senegal's 2-2 draw against Japan (AFP/Getty Images)

Senegal had added an extra midfielder to relieve Mane from some of his defensive responsibilities which their 4-4-2 restricted him to, but he failed to take advantage of his more attacking role.

The tempo slightly increased as the game aged. Mane’s clever lofted pass found Sabaly who made a run on the overlap, collected the ball on the turn and crossed to Moussa Wague who scored what Senegal thought might be the winner before Keisuke Honda made it 2-2.

The goal was by no means solely down to Mane, but his vision and invention got the ball rolling. Senegal remain reasonably well placed to qualify but will need better individual performances from their main man to secure a place in the last 16 with a strong performance against Columbia on Thursday.

If they qualify and Mane’s performances do not improve, there is no way that Senegal will beat either Belgium or England. He must get better.