Liverpool Legend John Barnes Names His Favourite Red – And It Wasn’t Mo Salah

Sadio Mané’s Lasting Impact

Liverpool’s resurgence over the past decade is often credited to the transformative work of Jurgen Klopp, who moulded a struggling side into a dominant force across England and Europe. His recruitment was calculated rather than lavish, yet the results were extraordinary. Mohamed Salah is widely seen as the crown jewel of that era, but for John Barnes, one man stood above even the Egyptian king.

“I love Sadio and he is my favourite Liverpool player, but I was there longer, so for longevity, I’m going to go for John Barnes.”

Those words from Barnes came during a TikTok segment, where he was asked to rank players greater than himself. For a figure so revered at Anfield to hold Sadio Mané in such high esteem speaks volumes.

Underrated Brilliance in Liverpool’s Front Three

That iconic attacking trio of Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané did more than just score goals. They disrupted defences with relentlessness and intelligence. Salah often dominated the headlines, yet without Mané’s direct running and selfless movement, the entire system would have faltered. Liverpool have missed him since his departure more than they would perhaps care to admit.

Barnes doubled down on that belief when asked to compare himself with other former Reds. He backed himself ahead of Michael Owen and Raheem Sterling. The only current player he conceded superiority to was Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, while outside Liverpool he tipped Thierry Henry as “much better”.

Life After Mané

Luis Díaz was viewed as an ideal successor when he arrived from Porto. He brought energy and flair, but he did not carry the same ruthless consistency. With Díaz now moved on as well, Cody Gakpo is left as the most natural option on that flank. His quality is clear, yet he has not seized the position with authority.

A prime Sadio Mané is exactly what Arne Slot would crave right now. Liverpool’s attack functions, but it lacks that snap of inevitability, that sense of menace Mané provided every time he received the ball.

Legacy of a Liverpool Cult Hero

He did not leave on a high after the Champions League final defeat, yet his impact remains unquestioned. Supporters still sing his name, pundits still cite his importance and fellow Liverpool legends like John Barnes continue to champion his greatness. That tells its own story.

Sadio Mané may not own the club’s all-time records like Salah, but in the eyes of those who understand selfless excellence, he was irreplaceable.