The simple explanation behind Liverpool’s underperforming forward line

Key Highlights

• And yet Slot’s overall analysis probably still rings true to him: Liverpool, who spent £200m on strikers last summer, have too few goals from the front three.
• Certainly they have a lot fewer than last year. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAfter 27 league matches of last season, Liverpool’s six main forwards had 51 goals.
• Now that number is down to 26, little more than half.
• The first may represent more than could realistically be expected, the second fewer. Some of the explanation lies in the breakdown of who has scored – or, this season, who has not.2024-25 (first 27 league games only): Mohamed Salah 25, Luis Diaz 9, Gakpo 8, Diogo Jota 5, Darwin Nunez 4, Federico Chiesa 0.2025-26: Ekitike 11, Gakpo 6, Salah 4, Chiesa 2, Alexander Isak 2, Rio Ngumoha 1. There is a case for adding Florian Wirtz into the equation, given that he was the third major attack-minded signing last summer and that some of his minutes have come when playing on the wings, though the majority have come as a No 10.
• If so, the 2025-26 forwards tally goes up to 30. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt may be simplifying matters but the drop-off can be traced to two players: Salah and Isak.