If Liverpool are in a dogfight for Champions League qualification, they’re a Chihuahua amongst Rottweilers.
That is the way it feels proper now, with Arne Slot‘s facet completely abject of their 2-1 defeat at bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night, pegging the Reds again simply as that they had began to construct steam.
It is clear that Slot wants to repair this mess. Lacking out on Europe’s elite desk can be disastrous. Whether or not the Reds have the idea to take action stays to be seen, however they’ve the standard, which makes this interminable battle all of the extra irritating.
Nevertheless, the Anfield squad are definitely not well-balanced, with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah each flattering to deceive down the wings.
That is one thing that wants a repair come summer time.
Liverpool put together to signal new wingers
Salah, 33, has been poor this season, and whereas he is nonetheless popping up with the odd purpose and a gentle stream of assists, his place on the precise flank is arguably a internet detrimental in the meanwhile.
Extra egregious is Gakpo’s type. The Dutchman is 26 years previous, and is amongst Slot’s most trusted lieutenants. He was immense final season however has been diminished to a lesser model this 12 months, sussed out by opponents.
Whereas Rio Ngumoha is undoubtedly a particular expertise, he’s younger, 17, and never prepared for a beginning function every week. With this in thoughts, Liverpool should strengthen.
Based on Sky Germany, Liverpool have deserted (for now) their curiosity in Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, who won’t be leaving the Allianz Area beneath any circumstances this summer time.
As a substitute, the Reds have launched a bid for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, whose type this season has caught the attention of many suitors.
Diomande, 19, is rising as a celebrity, a two-footed and direct winger who prefers the precise facet. On this, he might be the proper Salah improve, however it might value FSG one thing to the tune of £87m.
Why Diomande can be a Salah improve
Briefly, Salah is getting previous, and opponents are nullifying his efficiency in entrance of purpose too simply. Diomande is on the opposite finish of the spectrum, younger and flashy and fiery.
Having joined the Germans from Leganes final summer time, the Ivory Coast worldwide has scored ten targets and equipped seven assists throughout all competitions, and within the Bundesliga, he is been among the many division’s standouts.
Hailed as a “generational expertise” by journalist Bence Bocsak, Diomande has the applying to match the power, taking part in with a stage of consistency that implies he would thrive within the Premier League.
When contemplating how Salah is faring in distinction to the Ivorian, the distinction is night time and day. Not solely has the Liverpool legend’s output decreased, however his bodily and athletic numbers are within the gutter.
A scarcity of power and incisiveness down the flanks has performed a big function in Liverpool’s deterioration.
|
League Kind Comparability (2025/26) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stats (* per 90) |
Diomande |
Salah |
|
Matches (begins) |
23 (18) |
20 (18) |
|
Targets + Assists |
9 + 5 |
5 + 6 |
|
Touches* |
52.3 |
48.4 |
|
Photographs (on course)* |
1.7 (0.9) |
2.6 (0.7) |
|
Huge probabilities missed |
4 |
9 |
|
Correct passes* |
27.1 (85%) |
21.9 (76%) |
|
Huge probabilities created |
8 |
10 |
|
Key passes* |
1.7 |
2.2 |
|
Succ. dribbles* |
3.5 (60%) |
0.6 (25%) |
|
Ball recoveries* |
4.2 |
2.8 |
|
Tackles + interceptions* |
1.5 |
0.5 |
|
Duels received* |
5.5 (48%) |
2.1 (29%) |
It isn’t simply Salah’s typical output that Liverpool are lacking, however his power and presence too. This stuff usually are not there, and Slot’s system is struggling for it.
Gakpo’s personal struggles solely exacerbate the state of affairs, however Slot has praised Ngumoha’s bodily positive aspects in current weeks, and his taking part in time won’t diminish after the summer time, even when the Merseysiders hold the religion of their under-fire head coach.
In over 4 months, Gakpo has solely scored as soon as within the Premier League. It got here final outing, towards West Ham United, and it took a depraved deflection at that.
The drama of the present marketing campaign should not be repeated. Liverpool can’t afford to languish under the requirements that Jurgen Klopp so expertly set over a few years of toil. Liverpool want a brand new winger, and Diomande may simply be the most suitable choice obtainable to them.
Ought to Liverpool signal Diomande, Gakpo would absolutely pale compared. Liverpool would then have to signal one other winger, however that is one other story.
Fewer touches than Alisson & 100% duels misplaced: Liverpool star have to be dropped
Liverpool have been dealt a blow within the race for Champions League after defeat at Wolves.
