Senegalese star Sadio Mane has unveiled his personal five-a-side dream team — and notably, it does not include his former Liverpool strike partner, Mohamed Salah.

Mane shared his selections during a conversation with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, according to Planet Football on Friday. His picks are a reflection of players he has shared the pitch with, either at club or international level.

At the top of his list is Liverpool and Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk. Mane praised Van Dijk highly, even likening him to Ferdinand himself.

“He’s after you. It’s you and Van Dijk. You know it, I know it. This is no discussion,” Mane told Ferdinand.

Mane also selected Kalidou Koulibaly from his Senegal national team. The defender was instrumental in Senegal’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. Although they never played together at club level, both now feature in the Saudi Pro League — Koulibaly at Al-Hilal and Mane at Al-Nassr.

Philippe Coutinho, Mane’s former Liverpool teammate, earned a spot as well. Mane described the Brazilian as “a special player,” praising his creativity and reliability during their brief time together.

Roberto Firmino, another ex-Liverpool teammate, was chosen not only for his footballing ability but also for his character. Mane called him “exceptional,” adding, “I never saw a football player and a human as kind in my life as Bobby.”

Completing the five-a-side lineup is Cristiano Ronaldo, Mane’s current teammate at Al-Nassr. The Senegalese forward showered the Portuguese legend with praise, saying:

“He is an example for every kind of football player in the world. I have never seen another player like him, that’s for sure.”