Mane should be on Ballon d'Or contenders list - Vieira

Patrick Vieira believes that

should be among the contenders for the Ballon d'Or.

Mane, who has been rumored to be leaving

to join

, scored 23 goals for his side last season, winning the EFL Cup and the FA Cup. He also played a key role in Senegal winning the African Cup of Nations and advancing to the World Cup with the team. His good performance has led the Crystal Palace boss to consider him a rival to Karim Benzema, who according to many was the best player in Europe last season.

Vieira said:

"Sadio Mane is part of the new generation of attackers who knows how to do everything.

"He scores goals, he knows how to defend, he knows how to run in depth. He is a hard worker in the field. 

"He is one of the modern attackers. For me, he should be considered for the Ballon d'Or.

"He is one of those great players who can win it. I saw him every weekend in the Premier League and for me, he is one of the great European strikers."

Asked about Mane's possible transfer to Bayern, Vieira said:

  "I think he has his head on his shoulders to make the best decision.

"Should he stay or go? It's up to him to make that decision. But he is a player that I admire in relation to his talent as a footballer, but also in relation to his talent as a man."

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