06 September 2023 , 17:16
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With the intense focus brought by Al Ittihad’s incessant Mo Salah pursuit, the spotlight has inevitably fallen on Liverpool ’s front line, and the possibility of life without their striking superstar.
Yet as the window in Saudi Arabia finally closes on Thursday evening - and with Jurgen Klopp consistent in his firm assertion the Egyptian will not leave - suddenly the picture becomes far brighter as far as the Reds’ forward line is concerned.
Never under Klopp has there been THIS much competition for the front three places. For most of his Anfield tenure, his starting choice was the Mane-Firmino-Salah three pronged attack, which became the most feared in Europe.
From the very first game of this season though, it was evident Klopp believes he has almost an embarrassment of riches up front…and a difficult time in selecting three starters.
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In that visit to Chelsea, the manager used SIX forwards, including the precocious teenage talent of Ben Doak, who at 17 is so highly rated by the German coach, he has been involved in every Liverpool game so far this season.
There was some talk of bids for another forward in the transfer window, but with Klopp’s faith in the youngster, he wants to leave room for the winger, who represented Scotland ’s U21s at just 16, to develop.
It is a point made by John Aldridge, the former Reds striker, who believes Doak is a star of the future. The Scot could even eventually replace Salah, given they play in the same position, he said of a forward line that runs deep with talent:
Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz got the nod to join Salah in Liverpool's latest lineup (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY: What is Liverpool's best front three? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
“Up front they’ve got five fantastic players and goalscorers, plus another lad who excites me as well – Ben Doak.
“I love watching his attitude; he’s like one of the proper Jocks who used to play for Liverpool and I think we’ll see a lot of him this season – so there’s actually six attackers there.”
Aldridge is not wrong. Klopp has already indicated as much, and Doak will get his chance in both the EFL Cup and the Europa League in the period before Christmas, and it is not inconceivable to believe he could add significantly to his six appearances so far.
Yet it is likely in the Premier League he will be used sparingly as a substitute, with the manager going with his five recognised senior forwards…giving him what he’s already described as a true selection headache.
Youngster Ben Doak is highly thought of at Anfield (Getty Images)
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Against Villa in the most recent game, Klopp admitted that he “really liked” the line up, which saw a lightning quick front three of Salah, Nunez and Diaz dismantle the visiting team’s high line.
Afterwards though, he stressed that both Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo were “so close” to starting, and freely admitted they will get their chances…as both have already done this season, with Gakpo starting three times in four matches, and Jota twice.
It allows Klopp the tactical flexibility his evolving formation demands. At its height, his previous team had pace and goals up front, delivery from roaming full backs, and an industrious midfield to press.
Yet with Trent Alexander-Arnold now often coming inside to use his passing range, and his two midfield signings Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister also providing that incisive delivery, he can chop and change at will, depending on the opponent.
Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo are also vying for contention (Offside via Getty Images)It makes this Liverpool team far more unpredictable than previous incarnations, with goals being spread around more…and pressure to perform with the competition coming from behind.
So far, only Salah has looked untouchable, while Diaz seems assured of frequent starts, but even those two stars of Anfield know they can’t afford any off days, with Klopp happy to make changes.
It makes for exciting Anfield times…and several migraines for the manager!