Musiala signs, Diaz has made his decision – dream Liverpool forward line after summer transfer window

Jurgen Klopp has created the blueprint for the current Liverpool side, now it’s up to Arne Slot to take charge, add some of his own creative flair and produce the silverware that Reds supporters so desperately want.

The Reds’ change in leadership will provide an exciting journey into the unknown, at least until the pre-season gives everyone a better insight into how Slot wants to use his legacy squad. From there, this will also inform any transfer decisions on which fans are once again waiting for concrete news.

One of his predecessor’s greatest achievements was matching the forward line and shooting – that initial trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane took England and Europe by storm at the height of Klopp’s heavy metal football. before any sense of defensive security. it was built to achieve subsequent success.

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As time has passed, the comings and goings have meant that Liverpool’s attack is in a much changed state from what it was back then. Slot arrives to find a plethora of options, plenty of interesting names rumored to sign and, most importantly, ideas of his own to implement. The Dutchman could impress upon the team the 4-2-3-1 system that has served him so well in his homeland, which would require further changes in the coming months.

That being said, ECHO take a look at how Slot can assemble the perfect attacking line-up in time for the opening game of the season against newly-promoted Ipswich Town on 17 August 2024…

Musiala signs

What better way to start your tenure at Liverpool than with a statement signing?

Last summer FSG showed how they were prepared to part with a sizeable amount of cash when they bid £111m for Moises Caicedo, then from Brighton. Fast forward almost 12 months and with it confirmed that the club are not prioritizing a central defensive signing over any others, attention could therefore turn to the attacking quartet.

Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, currently in Euro 2024 in his native country with two goals in as many games, has been linked with a move to Anfield throughout his short but successful career. Slot will need a specialist to work behind the team’s main striker, so the 21-year-old is a natural call.

After recent exploits, The Mirror reports that his Transfermarkt market value is $127m (£107.3m).

Diaz remains red

Also making a lot of noise at the start of this summer’s transfer window is Luis Diaz. Obviously already red, it has been speculated that Spanish giants Barcelona will test Liverpool’s resolve ahead of September’s deadline day.

“Just as we don’t need a big transfer, we don’t think we need big signings. Maybe a midfielder, a winger, but we also have an academy that can help us fill those positions,” said La Blaugrana president Joan Laporta . confirmed.

Diaz himself has said he is happy at Anfield and will command a £63million-plus price tag for anyone who dares to disrupt that harmony. Slot should therefore have the simple task of taking the Colombian under his wing and unlocking the scoring form many have been hoping to see.

Slot trusts Salah and Nunez

Again, the new head coach may benefit from picking up where Klopp left off with his other two most reliable options.

Salah’s contract is set to expire next summer and the club will work on that, but in the meantime it will be Slot’s job to bring in his experienced squad members and be part of his project. Having been the club’s top scorer in every season since 2017, the 32-year-old is simply too good to consider giving up.

Darwin Nunez is in a slightly different situation as he needs care. The Uruguayan looked impressive at times last season as he improved his production with 12 contributions in all competitions, although he suffered equally from a lack of confidence when things weren’t going his way.

The 24-year-old can inspire his new manager’s former leader, Santiago Gimenez. Proving what a striker can do when placed up top and told to send chances, the Mexican scored 49 times and provided 13 assists in 85 games under Slot at Feyenoord.

Rotation is required

The boss will also be asking for options if he wants to take this Reds team to the top as he wants. In this sense, the tools are already in his possession again.

Diogo Jota can play up front and on either flank and shouldn’t be restricted, although as an option he seems best suited to occupy the central position of a front four. Cody Gakpo is equally versatile, although his outstanding performances on the left flank for Ronald Koeman’s Dutch side at the European Championships prove that his natural position is on the left.

Ben Doak, as long as he overcomes his long-term injury woes, can finally deputize for Salah when needed, while Alexis Mac Allister – who would be used more frequently in Slot’s dual pivot – can be moved forward in attack. four for the rotation argument.

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