“Very Much A Slot Forward.” – Dutch Writer Discusses What Liverpool Boss Wants From A No.9 | OneFootball

By Joe Durrans

Yesterday’s performance has left many Liverpool fans scratching their heads, especially when it comes to the team’s forward play. A discussion among pundits revealed a growing sense of confusion over several key players and decisions made by manager Arne Slot. The focus was mainly on Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota, and Mohamed Salah’s crucial role in the team. The question of whether Liverpool has found their ideal No. 9 or whether they need to make a summer signing looms large.

One of the key talking points was the continuing struggles of Darwin Núñez, who has often been called “fit for chaos.” As the Dutch football expert Joe Baker put it “Nunez has a role in the team, but it’s when the game is stretched, he’s not great within a particular system.” The conversation acknowledged that while Núñez is physically strong, quick, and mobile, his goal-scoring record has left a lot to be desired. “He was good enough to start regularly and score goals, he would be,” one pundit reflected, noting that he’s been given enough opportunities to prove his worth since his big-money move in 2022.

However, it was also acknowledged that there are flashes of brilliance in his play, with the potential to improve. “I think he can offer more than he’s shown,” Baker said, signalling that Liverpool could eventually cash in on him if they look to invest in other areas of the squad.

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Diogo Jota was also a focal point of discussion. “He’s very much a Slot forward in lots of ways but he’s just not a natural enough number nine,” was the sentiment shared. Jota’s versatility was praised, but doubts lingered over his ability to lead the line. His drop in form this season has been noticeable, especially when compared to his 21 goals in the 2022-2023 season. The mention of his injury troubles was also significant, with one pundit noting that Jota has missed 42 games across two seasons. “Slot needs his players to be physically strong,” they said, which has created further doubt about Jota’s long-term viability as Liverpool’s No. 9.

There was also concern over the use of Luis Díaz, who has been deployed in a central role despite being “fundamentally not a striker.” The comparison was drawn with players like Marcus Rashford, who is most effective when playing out wide rather than through the middle. As Joe Baker observed, “I’m surprised that Slot didn’t go with Díaz as a false nine against PSG.” Despite his versatility, the sense is that Díaz is better suited to a wide role, and the ongoing decision to use him as a centre-forward could raise questions in the long term.

The spotlight turned to Mohamed Salah, whose dominance in the Liverpool attack has been both a blessing and a curse. “Liverpool are so reliant on Salah. If he’s not quite at it, or he’s been marked well like he was by Livermento yesterday, then it’s a bit of a problem,” that underscored the team’s dependency on their star player. Salah’s excellent goal-scoring and assist tally (with 17 assists to his name) shows his value to the team. However, as noted, it’s the lack of support from other forwards, particularly Núñez and Jota, that raises questions. “It’s not like it’s get the ball, get it to Salah, hope he scores he’s been creating chances and creating goals as well,” Baker remarked.

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While Liverpool have been performing well in the league, leading many to overlook these attacking issues, the comments pointed to a potential lack of goals from other key players. “McAllister, Gravenberch, and Curtis Jones all need to be chipping in more,” was highlighted as another area of concern. The frustration over missed opportunities, particularly with Curtis Jones’ recent miss in a key match, was clear: “If you get your head over it, it’s in the back of the net.”

There was a consensus on the need for a better-balanced attack, one that doesn’t rely so heavily on Salah. The question of whether Harvey Elliott deserves more game time was raised, with many agreeing that he’s versatile and capable of contributing to the forward line. “Elliott needs a run in the team,” noting that his potential could offer the team more options going forward.

As for potential signings, it seems the hunt for a world-class No. 9 continues. “Alexander Isak is the ideal player for the Liverpool system, I just don’t think Liverpool can afford him.” There was also speculation about other potential targets, such as Jonathan David, Benjamin Sesko, and Hugo Etikité, with some expressing that these players could be viable options to bolster Liverpool’s forward line.

However, the importance of the summer transfer window cannot be understated. “If all of them [the big three] go, that is a lot of financial investment needed,” was one of the more sobering reflections on the situation. The need for a clear strategy on who to sell and who to buy will be critical in shaping the team’s future. A striker is clearly needed, but the question remains whether Liverpool will make the right move this summer.

In conclusion, while Liverpool’s attack has been effective in parts, the overall system remains a work in progress. The need for a central striker who can seamlessly fit into the tactical framework is undeniable. As one comment summed up: “You can’t constantly have a forward area that’s not challenging the centre-backs physically, and that’s what’s been lacking.” Whether Liverpool’s forward line will evolve in the coming months will depend on key decisions in the transfer market—and perhaps, crucially, on who stays and who goes.