Liverpool’s attack is undergoing a major overhaul ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The Reds had some serious firepower on their way to winning the title last season, but will have a different line up this time around.
The tragic loss of Diogo Jota has left a gaping hole far bigger than simply a place in the Liverpool squad, but it is a devastating fact that the Reds will be without their eternal No. 20 in the future.
Meanwhile, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, two players who had significant minutes last term, have both been sold. Federico Chiesa is expected to follow them through the exit door.
For now, that will leave Liverpool with Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo as recognised senior options. The Reds are trying to sign Alexander Isak, but it remains in the balance whether that will get done.
If that already looks short for Arne Slot, then the fact that Salah will miss a chunk of the season for the Africa Cup of Nations in December is further cause for concern. Thankfully, the Liverpool head coach has confirmed that he already has a plan for how to manage his talisman’s absence.
Mohamed Salah runs during Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Athletic Club Bilbao at Anfield.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Jeremie Frimpong set to deputise for Mohamed Salah
When he was signed last summer, Chiesa was perhaps seen as an understudy for Salah. But, given how much football the Egyptian plays, he did not get much chance at all.
And according to Slot, Chiesa is not in his thoughts as the main understudy this season. Asked how he plans to cope with Salah’s AFCON absence, the Dutchman picked out Jeremie Frimpong as someone who could play a big part.
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“We definitely thought about that,” Slot answered. “We brought in Jeremie Frimpong because we think he can play as right full back, but I also think and feel he can play as a right winger.
“We did think about the fact we’re going to miss Mo, I think for a maximum of six games, but that’s quite a lot in the Premier League especially if you see how well he did last season.”
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“So, yeah, signing Frimpong was signed for multiple reasons,” Slot continued. “But one was also that he could replace Mo if Mo is not there.
“There are other options as well, but Jeremie is definitely one of them.”
Arne Slot happy with Liverpool attacking depth
One of the issues with playing Frimpong at right wing is that you are then foregoing his regular job as a right-back. If everyone is fit, then that is all well and good, as Conor Bradley can perfectly man the position.
However, as has often been the case during his Liverpool career so far, Bradley is currently injured. It will not be the last time that happens this season.
Should the Northern Irishman pick up a knock to coincide with Salah’s absence at AFCON, Frimpong cannot be used further forward. Nevertheless, when his attacking depth was questioned during Friday’s press conference, Slot came out swinging.
“A player like Rio [Ngumoha] showed in the last few games he played for us that at senior level he can have an impact,” said the Dutch coach. “I think, we think, we already have a lot of attacking power in our team when I think about Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, Mohamed Salah, Jeremie Frimpong who can play as a right winger, Florian Wirtz who can play as a left winger.
“So, I already feel I have a lot of attacking options in my current squad, but as always as a club we are looking at the chances in the market, but that can also be in the midfield or in the last line.”