New Delhi: When Jürgen Klopp built his great Liverpool side, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mané became synonymous with relentless attacking football. They terrorized defenses across Europe and delivered the Reds some of the most iconic moments in their history. Salah, the sharpshooter on the right, Firmino, the creative lynchpin, and Mané, the dynamic workhorse on the left, formed an unstoppable trident that spearheaded Liverpool’s rise to glory. They formed a major part of the essence of the club.
When Mane left Liverpool in January 2022, it seemed like the end of an era for the club. It didn’t look like we would see another attacking trio as potent as them. Fast forward to the present, and under head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool is finding a new rhythm with a forward line that carries echoes of that iconic trio. Salah remains the constant, the talisman who continues to produce jaw-dropping numbers.
In the 5-0 demolition of West Ham United, Salah notched his 20th goal of the season, a feat he has achieved in all eight of his seasons at Liverpool. This latest iteration of Liverpool’s attacking setup also features Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz. Gakpo, with his rangy frame and clinical touch, has settled into the left flank seamlessly, while Díaz has embraced a central role, providing a direct threat with improved finishing. Together, they form a fluid, adaptable trio that has propelled Liverpool to an eight-point lead in the Premier League and domination in the Champions League group stages.
The Evolution: Mane-Firmino-Salah vs. Salah-Diaz-Gakpo
The Salah, Firmino, and Mané trio set an impossibly high benchmark during their time together, contributing 245 goals across five years and delivering a Premier League title, Champions League, and a host of domestic and international honors. However, the early signs suggest that the new trio of Salah, Díaz, and Gakpo might be on track to carve out their own legacy.
The stats provide a fascinating comparison. After 18 league games, the current trio has combined for 30 goals. For context, Salah, Firmino, and Mané had 46 goals in their title-winning campaign, but their shot conversion and big chance conversion rates lagged slightly behind the new line. Individually, Salah’s form in 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary. With 29 goals and 23 assists in all competitions this calendar year, he has been directly involved in more goals than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.
🔥 Liverpool’s attacking trio is on fire! 🔥
🇪🇬 Mohamed Salah: 20 goals, 17 assists
🇳🇱 Cody Gakpo: 11 goals, 4 assists
🇨🇴 Luis Diaz: 12 goals, 3 assists
Combined, they’ve racked up an impressive 67 goals and assists… and we’re only halfway through the season! 🤯💥 pic.twitter.com/CzqgZcAVfN
— All Sportz 🏀⚽ (@Allsportztv) December 30, 2024
Not only has he equaled or bettered his previous season’s numbers, but he has also improved in creating and finishing crucial opportunities, achieving the remarkable feat of scoring and assisting in eight Premier League games this season—already a league record. Díaz’s transformation into a central player has been another standout feature. Initially deployed as a wide player following his arrival from Porto, he has adapted to a more direct role in the middle.
While his creative contribution may not match Firmino’s elegant touches, Díaz’s goal-scoring ability and efficiency in high-pressure moments are proving to be invaluable assets. On the left, Gakpo has embraced his role with aplomb. His ability to cut inside and combine with teammates mirrors Mané’s movements but with a touch of unpredictability that unsettles defenses.
His performances at Euro 2024 for the Netherlands hinted at his potential, and his five league goals this season underscore his steady growth. The key to their success lies in their fluidity and understanding. Salah, Díaz, and Gakpo operate with seamless cohesion, often interchanging roles and creating spaces for each other. While it might still be premature to anoint them as the equals of the legendary Firmino-led trio, they are undoubtedly writing their own thrilling chapter.
Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez add to Liverpool’s attack
✅ Díaz
✅ Gakpo
✅ Salah
✅ Jota
Liverpool’s forwards were feasting vs. West Ham ♨️ pic.twitter.com/URdA4fioii
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 29, 2024
One significant difference between the Klopp-era front three and this Slot-driven version of Liverpool’s attack is the depth in firepower. While Salah, Díaz, and Gakpo are the main protagonists, Liverpool’s bench is now stocked with players capable of stepping up when required. Enter Diogo Jota, arguably Liverpool’s most clinical finisher. Against West Ham, Jota rounded off the scoring after the main trio had already put the game beyond doubt by halftime.
Jota’s ability to sniff out chances and his calmness in front of goal make him an invaluable asset for Slot, offering the luxury of rotation without compromising on quality. Jota’s role isn’t just about scoring; it’s about the tactical flexibility he brings. Whether Slot needs to rest Díaz or Gakpo or change the dynamic of a game, Jota’s versatility allows Liverpool to maintain their attacking threat. And with Darwin Núñez waiting in the wings, Liverpool’s arsenal looks even more formidable.
It’s not just the individual brilliance of the forwards but the collective threat they pose that sets Liverpool apart this season. Opponents cannot focus on nullifying just Salah, as Díaz and Gakpo have proven to be equally capable of causing havoc. Add in the tireless work ethic of the midfield and the creativity of Trent Alexander-Arnold from full-back, and it’s no surprise Liverpool are cruising at the top of the league.
Can this attack lead them to glory?
Top of the Premier League, Champions League and in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.
Just one loss across all competitions, scoring 68 goals and conceding 22.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/HEvaQbLLUu
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 29, 2024
Liverpool’s attack under Slot has drawn inevitable comparisons to Klopp’s title-winning trio, but their goals are much the same: bring the Premier League trophy back to Anfield and reign supreme in Europe. The challenges ahead will test their mettle. The Premier League’s grueling second half and the knockout stages of the Champions League will demand consistency and resolve.
Yet, if Salah, Díaz, and Gakpo maintain their current trajectory, they have the potential to etch their names into Anfield folklore alongside their predecessors. While Salah remains the talisman, this season has been a showcase of collective brilliance. It’s not just about scoring; it’s about how they score—through clever movement, unselfish interplay, and relentless energy.
Slot has managed to rejuvenate the squad with fresh ideas while preserving the winning DNA instilled by Klopp. As the season progresses, one thing is clear: Liverpool’s new attacking trio is not just chasing the ghosts of the past—they are creating a legacy of their own. With Salah leading the charge and Díaz and Gakpo coming into their own, Liverpool’s opponents will continue to find themselves on the wrong end of a relentless, multi-dimensional threat.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool are currently the best scoring team in the Premier League but is their current front three better than the iconic trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino? Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
