“Sadio brings a completely different aspect to that [Senegal] side, one of the top five in the Ballon d’Or at least and that’s all that needs to be said," Trent Alexander-Arnold told Talksport.
“He’s someone who is a world-class player, and someone, as bad as it sounds, it probably helps us that we’re not playing against him.
“That’s the level of player [he is], and I only say that out of pure respect for him. I played against him in training and it’s nice, it’s not a nice feeling.
“He’s one of if not the best left winger in the world in my opinion, and someone who can win games. I’ve seen it on multiple occasions and I’ve been part of a team that has benefitted from it.
“I was absolutely gutted that he had to miss out on this tournament, and he’s someone who I have got a really good relationship with,” Trent added.
Senegal have done just alright without Mane who is missing the competition due to injury. However, facing England, the West Africans are underdogs without their talisman.
Trent has only made one appearance at the World Cup so far.
