#3 Mamadou Sakho
While the Liverpool-Manchester United fixtures are famous for the goals and goalscorers, Mamadou Sakho’s superhuman efforts in the Liverpool defence was something of a catalyst for Liverpool’s passage into the next round of the Europa League in 2016.
Liverpool drew with United in the last 16 of the Europa League, marking the duo’s first ever clash in Europe. Liverpool ran out 2-0 winners in the first leg at Anfield and came into the second leg confident of sealing the tie.
Anthony Martial put United in front early in the first half with the Red Devils often penetrating through the Liverpool defence. A second goal would have leveled the tie and would shift the momentum in United’s favour, but Sakho had other plans as the Frenchman stood firm against the flurry of United attacks time and time again.
Coutinho equalized for Liverpool deep into the first half and Sakho remained a colossal figure throughout the second half making 12 clearances, 3 blocks, 1 interception and winning 5 tackles, eventually seeing out the match 1-1 and Liverpool progressing to the next round.
Ironically, Sakho was wrongly suspended for finding positive in a drugs test after the match, but this performance was already etched into the memories of the Reds fans.
