MOUSSA Djenepo brushed off the comparison that’s been made between him and a young Sadio Mane.

Similarities have been drawn between the pair due to the element of chaos Djenepo brings to the pitch.

Although he’s flattered by the comparison, the Saints winger knows he is a long way off reaching Mane’s standard.

Asked whether he can see similarities with the Liverpool star, Djenepo responded: “I wouldn’t say so.

“Sadio is a great player and a great person.

“To compare the both of us, although it’s a compliment and a good thing, I know I’ve got a lot of work to do to get to his level.

“He is a big brother, someone I look up to and I know I have to keep working hard.”

Djenepo revealed he had the opportunity to exchange words with Mane back in August when the two sides met at the beginning of the season.

The former Saint, who joined Liverpool for £34m in 2016, found himself on the scoresheet in that match, with his curling effort flying past Angus Gunn and into the top corner on the stroke of half time.

With the Anfield side on course to win the Premier League by some margin, Mane has, arguably, been their best player this season.

However, he looks set to miss the match with Saints this weekend after sustaining a muscle tear against Wolves.

And, even though Mane may not be present on Saturday, Djenepo cherishes the conversation he had with the Senegal international at St Mary’s.

“I spoke with him after the game and he gave me some advice,” revealed Djenepo.

“He wished me the best of luck and told me to keep working hard.

“He gave me his shirt and it made me very happy.

“He came and found me in the tunnel afterwards and very kindly gave me his shirt, but I couldn’t give mine to him because I’d already given it to one of the fans.”

Since arriving from Standard Liege in the summer, Djenepo has endeared himself to the St Mary’s faithful.

His season started by hitting winners against both Brighton and Sheffield United, only for it then to be interrupted by an injury that kept him out of action until November.

However, that didn’t stop the winger smiling.

The 21-year-old is loved behind the scenes at Saints due to his larger than life personality and the permanently etched smile on his face.

You only have to see pictures Saints put out to see him clowning around in the gym with Danny Ings or having a laugh on the training pitch.

“I have always been like that – it’s the way I live my life,” explained Djenepo.

“I smile all the time because it helps me feel good and keeps me motivated.”

Regarding his relationship with the supporters, he added: “The fans are great.

“They are always with us in the bad moments and the good moments.

“They are always there to support us and encourage us. It’s great that they stay behind us, they’ve been great to me.”

Off the pitch, Djenepo has formed a close relationship with Sofiane Boufal.

Boufal has played a key role in helping the Mali international settle into life on the south coast after his summer move from Belgium.

Discussing how the transition has gone, Djenepo said: “I really like life here a lot.

“People have been very warm and friendly which has helped me settle in well.

“Sofiane is a good friend of mine and is like a big brother.

“He gives me advice all the time and we have a really good relationship.

“We speak a lot and he has been a big part in helping ease my adaptation to the Premier League.”