Sadio Mane’s decisive displays during his debut season at Liverpool have seen him pick up the club’s Player of the Season accolade.
The 25-year-old, currently recovering after having surgery to repair the meniscus damage in his left knee, recorded 13 goals and five assists following his £30 million switch from Southampton last summer.
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He also earned the recognition of his team-mates, who voted him the Players’ Player of the Season, ahead of competitors from Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino.
Mane succeeds Philippe Coutinho in lifting both awards, a feat the Brazilian pulled off two years in succession - among a haul of eight prizes.
It was the Senegal international that deservedly took centre stage this time around, with his addition to the squad one of the core factors behind Liverpool’s stellar start to 2016-17.
Mane’s speed, strength in take-ons, expert decision-making and finishing allowed the Reds to properly implement Jurgen Klopp’s authoritative blueprint.
Goal
Winners against Arsenal at the Emirates, Everton in the Goodison derby and an Anfield masterclass to thwart Tottenham 2-0, illustrated his effectiveness in the blockbuster fixtures.
Perhaps most instructive on how vital Mane has become to Liverpool is the club’s struggles during his absence; first when he was on African Nations Cup duty and now needing to alter their approach without him during the run-in.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold was named Young Player of the Season with the Academy’s Players’ Player of the Season.
Exclusive: Alexander-Arnold and Woodburn
Emre Can’s perfectly executed bicycle kick in the 1-0 victory at Watford was the Goal of the Season, with Ben Woodburn ousting Rhian Brewster and Harry Wilson to land the Academy's top honour, while Sophie Ingle was the pick of Liverpool Ladies.
Steven Gerrard, soon to be the club's Under-18 coach, presented the Outstanding Team Achievement Award to Phil Thompson, Phil Neal and David Fairclough - members of the 1977 European Cup-winning side.
Lucas Leiva was given the Special Recognition honour for 10 years of service to the club, which was handed over by Reds legend Kenny Dalglish.
WINNERS IN FULL:
Player of the Season - Sadio Mane
Players’ Player of the Season - Sadio Mane
Young Player of the Season - Trent Alexander-Arnold
Goal of the Season - Emre Can at Watford
Academy Players’ Player of the Season - Ben Woodburn
Ladies Players’ Player of the Season - Sophie Ingle
Bill Shankly Community Award - Jeremy Barnes, All Saints school headteacher
Outstanding Team Achievement Award - European Cup-winning team of 1977
Special Recognition Award - Lucas
Lifetime Achievement Award - Roger Hunt
Supporters Club of the Season - Cyprus Supporters' Club
Staff Recognition Award - Disability support team
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