Arne Slot Explains His Strategy to Keep All Six of Liverpool’s Attacking Players on Side This Season

The Reds have kicked off the season in impressive form, largely thanks to the outstanding performances of their attackers, who have collectively contributed to 24 goals so far.

Arne Slot admits he must keep Liverpool’s attacking players “alert” as they compete for game time throughout the season.

The Dutch manager faces the task of balancing the minutes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo.

As Liverpool push for success across multiple competitions, keeping all players content and understanding the need for rotation proves to be a difficult job.

Slot began the season with a forward trio of Salah, Jota, and Diaz in the opening match against Ipswich Town. Their strong performances earned them starting spots in subsequent fixtures against Brentford, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest.

For the Champions League match against AC Milan, Slot made some adjustments, replacing Diaz with Gakpo on the left wing. Nunez then came on to replace Jota during last weekend’s win over Bournemouth. Additionally, summer signing Chiesa made his first start of the season against West Ham on Wednesday.

Though no player has started all seven matches this season, the six forwards have already accumulated 24 goal contributions collectively.

“For me it says two things,” said Slot when asking about the decisions he faces in selecting his starting forward line. “1. These players have a lot of quality and 2. The team is always creating chances for the players that we are selecting for that game.

“If we play Cody or Luis, the team is creating so many chances for these individuals and because these players have so much quality they can promote these to assists or goals, that’s what it says to me.”

In only his second start of the season in Wednesday’s 5-1 victory over West Ham, Gakpo netted a brace in the second half, while Jota matched this achievement after being left out of the squad in the previous match against Bournemouth.

Diaz, who was also benched in the game against AC Milan, managed to score twice as well. When questioned about how he keeps his players sharp despite limited playing time, Slot responded:

“That’s the positive thing about playing so many games, that these players will always play a lot of games. I think they understand that they can’t play every game unless it’s absolutely necessary to keep them fit and sharp and ready to perform like they do.

“As long as they accept the situation as it is, and that’s what they’re doing at the moment because they have good numbers – and I see them smile a lot, as well – then that is a positive thing for us. I have to keep them alert and happy in the position they are in.”

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Wolves, Slot faces the challenge of deciding which three forwards to start. Salah and Diaz, both of whom were rested during the midweek game against West Ham, are expected to be in the lineup.

The key decision, however, lies in choosing between Nunez and Jota to lead the attack. Nunez made his first start of the season in last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Bournemouth, where he scored an impressive solo goal and provided an assist. He followed this up with another strong performance against West Ham.

On the other hand, Jota also made a statement in the midweek game, scoring his first brace of the season after being benched against Bournemouth.

Regardless of who Slot selects, all three forwards will need to perform at their highest level to maintain their spots in the team.

In other Liverpool news, What Juventus Director Has Now Said About Federico Chiesa After Full Liverpool Debut