Jürgen Klopp’s tenure has come to an end, leaving behind a legacy and philosophy that Liverpool intends to uphold even after his departure. With the arrival of Arne Slot, the question on many minds is what Liverpool should do with their frontline trio.
Cody Gakpo is not part of these discussions due to his recent arrival at the club. Arne Slot’s plans remain unclear, but Liverpool is expected to make moves in the transfer market. So, the question arises: Should they retain their current front three?
Mohammed Salah
Although not always the central figure, Mohamed Salah had a remarkable season once again. The Egyptian King consistently delivers the expected numbers, regardless of the challenges faced by Liverpool throughout the season.
Scoring 18 goals and providing 10 assists in thirty-two games, Salah stands out as the most reliable goalscorer in Liverpool’s attack. While some may argue for selling Salah to capitalize on his high market value, it would be a significant mistake for Liverpool. Salah’s contribution to the club since his arrival has been immense.
At thirty-one, Salah still has productive years ahead of him. In modern football, top players often excel into their 30s, with many getting better with age. Selling Salah would be premature, especially considering the lack of substantial offers and better alternatives in the market. Liverpool should focus on gradual change rather than abrupt revolutions.
Retaining Salah is crucial for the team’s success, as he provides a unique profile that Liverpool currently lacks in their squad. While renegotiating his contract may be necessary, Liverpool should not rush into a decision to move on from Salah.
Darwin Núñez
Darwin Núñez is one of the most talked-about players at Liverpool, with fans expecting more from him despite his respectable stats of eleven goals and eight assists.
While Darwin has shown promise, he needs to elevate his game further to meet the high expectations set for him. His role in the team is vital, making it crucial for him to step up and deliver game-changing goals. Working on his mental strength will be key to unlocking his full potential.
Abandoning Darwin would mean giving up on a long-term project, something Arne Slot is unlikely to do. Darwin’s recent hat-trick against Mexico and his variety in scoring goals highlight his potential.
Creating a supportive environment around Darwin, including strengthening the midfield to support him in attack, will be essential for his development and success at Liverpool.
Luis Díaz
Luis Díaz’s situation is more complex compared to Salah and Darwin Núñez, making him the most probable candidate to leave if Liverpool decides to part ways with one of their attacking trio.
While not performing poorly, Díaz has lacked consistency, partly due to personal challenges and the team’s struggles. Interest from clubs like Barcelona has emerged, but Díaz is not indispensable to Liverpool’s system.
Selling Díaz would require reinvestment and careful consideration of potential replacements. Liverpool should only entertain offers for Díaz if they are substantial and if they can secure a promising talent in return.
Prioritizing improvements in midfield and defense should take precedence over selling Díaz. However, if attractive offers arise, they should be evaluated with caution based on Arne Slot’s vision for the team.