The Last Waltz for Liverpool's Frontline
Mohamed Salah has been the lifeblood of Liverpool this season, masking the fissures in their performance. With a remarkable tally of 27 goals and 17 assists in the Premier League, his contributions have propelled the Reds to a 15-point cushion atop the table. Yet, the support from fellow attackers has been sorely lacking; no other player in the squad has reached double figures, with Trent Alexander-Arnold trailing behind with a mere six assists.
In the two-legged showdown against Paris Saint-Germain, Salah's impact was muted. In the first leg, his presence was almost ghostlyโjust 22 passes, no completed dribbles, and nary a chance created. At Anfield, he managed a modest uptick, with four shots but faded as the match wore on, only adding a few sparks in the initial stages. His duel with Nuno Mendes saw him struggle, pointing to a greater need for others to step up.
In years past, the likes of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino would have found ways to weave magic, but the current situation is starkly different. Cody Gakpo has shown promise this season, yet was confined to the bench for the PSG clash, while Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota failed to make a significant mark. Diaz had the most dribblesโfiveโbut with a mere 54 touches, it summed up his uninspired season. Jota was, regrettably, a phantom presence, missing a golden opportunity and failing to create chances.
Darwin Nรบรฑez, despite a press-worthy performance against Southampton last week, struggled to make a dent, registering zero shots and completing just 25% of his duels. The stakes were high, yet he fell short. With Federico Chiesa remaining an unused substitute, it's evident that squad changes loom large. There's speculation that Diaz, Nรบรฑez, Jota, and even promising talent Harvey Elliott could be off in the summer.
As the last dance of this attacking trio approaches, Liverpool stands at a crossroads. With star players like Virgil van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold's futures uncertain, the upcoming Carabao Cup final presents a vital opportunity for redemption. A resounding performance could set a welcome tone for the business end of the season, lest they fizzle out as mere shadows of their former selves.
For responsible gambling support, help is available at the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare (0808 8020 133) and through BeGambleAware and Gambling Therapy.