Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s iconic front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino delivered breathtaking football, bringing major honors to Anfield, including the Premier League and Champions League titles. Fast forward to Arne Slot’s Liverpool, and the club’s revamped attacking trio of Salah, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo is staking its claim as a worthy successor.
With Salah’s consistency, Diaz’s dynamic movement, and Gakpo’s growing influence, Liverpool’s new frontline is driving a dominant campaign in both the Premier League, where they lead by eight points, and the Champions League.
Salah: The Constant Kingpin
Despite the changes around him, Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool’s headline act. His goal in the 5-0 win over West Ham brought his tally to 20 goals in all competitions this season—a milestone he has reached in each of his eight seasons at Anfield.
Salah’s contributions are unparalleled:
- In 2024, he has been involved in 52 goals (29 goals, 23 assists)—more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.
- He has scored and assisted in eight different Premier League games this season, a record for a single campaign.
Arne Slot summed up Salah’s brilliance:
“Mo and the word ‘extraordinary’ go hand in hand. He deserves that. He also works so hard for the team.”
Diaz and Gakpo: The New Allies
Slot’s Liverpool machine has added new dimensions to its attack with Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo. Both players, inherited from Klopp, have found roles that maximize their potential:
- Luis Diaz (Central Role):
Initially deployed as a wide player, Diaz now operates centrally, delivering clinical performances. His improved finishing has made him a potent weapon in Slot’s system, as evidenced by his goals in consecutive matches against Tottenham (6-3) and West Ham (5-0). - Cody Gakpo (Left Flank):
On the left, Gakpo has embraced a role that mirrors his standout performances for the Netherlands at Euro 2024. His ability to cut inside and create or finish chances adds another layer to Liverpool’s attack.
Together with Salah, Diaz and Gakpo provide a high-class, versatile attacking unit that thrives on shared understanding and fluidity.
Mane-Firmino-Salah vs. Diaz-Gakpo-Salah: The Stats
When Liverpool won the 2019-20 Premier League, Klopp’s iconic front three of Mane, Firmino, and Salah were near ever-present. However, the new trio under Slot appears to be statistically superior in some areas:
| Metric | 2019-20 Front Three | 2024-25 Front Three (18 Matches) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Goals | 46 | 30 |
| Shot Conversion Rate | Lower | Higher |
| Big Chance Conversion | Lower | Higher |
Individual Comparisons:
- Salah (Right Wing): Salah’s current form surpasses his performances during the title-winning campaign, with 19 goals and 10 assists already.
- Diaz (Center): More clinical and scoring at a faster rate than Firmino, though with fewer assists.
- Gakpo (Left Wing): While Mane was more prolific, Gakpo excels in converting big chances.
The longevity of Mane-Firmino-Salah, who combined for 245 goals during their five years together, remains unmatched, but the current trio’s potential is undeniable.
Depth Adds to the Threat
Liverpool’s attack extends beyond its starting trio. Diogo Jota, arguably the team’s most clinical finisher, showcased his quality by scoring Liverpool’s fifth against West Ham. Slot praised the team’s shared contributions:
“If you see the goals shared around, it is pleasing to see. It’s always good to have multiple players scoring goals.”
What’s Next for Liverpool’s New Frontline?
While comparisons with Salah, Mane, and Firmino may be premature, the early signs are promising. With Liverpool racing ahead in the Premier League and dominating the Champions League, Salah, Diaz, and Gakpo are proving to be a thrilling, multi-dimensional threat.
As the season progresses, their performances will determine whether this trio can carve out their own legacy alongside Liverpool’s legends of the past.
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