Can Liverpool’s Front Three Surpass Salah, Mane and Firmino? | OneFootball

Is Liverpool’s Front Three Better Than Salah, Mane & Firmino?

Liverpool’s dominance in the late 2010s was defined by a front three that struck fear across Europe. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino became a symbol of relentless attack, claiming every major honour under Jurgen Klopp. Fast forward to today, and with Klopp departed, Arne Slot has revitalised Liverpool’s forward line with a trio that looks set to eclipse their legendary predecessors.

While it’s premature to definitively crown Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz as superior, the stats and performances are starting to tell a compelling story. Are they truly better than the iconic combination of Salah, Mane, and Firmino?

Photo: IMAGO

Salah’s Evergreen Brilliance

If there’s one constant in Liverpool’s attacking evolution, it’s Mohamed Salah. At 32, he remains the linchpin of Slot’s frontline, his numbers as staggering as ever. In the recent 5-0 dismantling of West Ham United, Salah notched his 20th goal of the season, continuing a run that has seen him hit this milestone in every one of his eight seasons at Anfield.

His 2024 stats are nothing short of extraordinary: 52 goal involvements (29 goals, 23 assists) across all competitions, more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. Salah’s blend of consistency and explosiveness is unmatched, a fact not lost on Slot:

“Mo and the word ‘extraordinary’ is something I have heard a lot over the last six months and he deserves that,” said Slot. “He also works so hard for the team.”

Salah may still be the headline act, but what makes this new front three formidable is how seamlessly his two younger colleagues, Gakpo and Diaz, complement his brilliance.

Photo: IMAGO

Photo: IMAGO

Gakpo and Diaz: The Perfect Foils

Slot has reimagined the roles of Liverpool’s wide forwards. Cody Gakpo, signed in January 2023, has cemented his place on the left, thriving in a role that blends creativity with directness. Gakpo’s performances at Euro 2024 for the Netherlands hinted at his potential, and he has carried that form into this season, delivering crucial goals and assists. His rangy style and ability to cut inside mirror Mane’s strengths, but his finishing shows room for improvement.

Luis Diaz, meanwhile, has transformed into a central operator under Slot, adding clinical finishing to his natural flair. Signed as a traditional winger, Diaz has embraced his new role, showing Firmino-esque creativity but with greater scoring efficiency. His movement and ability to drop deep or stretch defences create space for Salah and Gakpo to flourish.

Together, the three form a dynamic, interchangeable attack that has fired Liverpool to the top of the Premier League with an eight-point cushion. They’ve also dominated the new-look Champions League group stage, with all three players scoring in a recent thumping of West Ham.

Comparing the Two Eras

The numbers underline the effectiveness of the new-look front three. Let’s compare their performances to Liverpool’s legendary 2019-20 title-winning season.

Liverpool’s Front Three in 2019-20

Liverpool’s Front Three in 2024-25

While the 2019-20 trio had longevity on their side, the current line-up boasts superior shot and big chance conversion rates. Diaz’s scoring rate dwarfs Firmino’s, and Salah is outperforming his past self. Gakpo’s numbers are slightly lower than Mane’s, but his ability to create and capitalise on key moments cannot be understated.The Challenge of Longevity

For all their promise, Salah, Gakpo, and Diaz are still in the early stages of their partnership. Salah, Mane, and Firmino amassed 245 goals across five seasons together, a remarkable benchmark for the new front three to aim for. And while the current trio’s stats over half a season are impressive, they will need to replicate this form over several years to match their predecessors’ legendary status.

That said, the early signs are encouraging. Liverpool’s attack under Slot is more flexible, less reliant on one player, and more unpredictable for opponents. Even when the front three isn’t firing, Slot has the luxury of turning to Diogo Jota, arguably the squad’s most clinical finisher, as demonstrated by his late goal against West Ham.

Photo: IMAGO

New Dawn at Anfield

Salah, Mane, and Firmino will forever be remembered for the trophies they brought to Liverpool, including the Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup. But as Liverpool stride into 2025, Salah, Diaz, and Gakpo have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

If they maintain their current trajectory, this new front three could redefine what dominance looks like at Anfield. For now, they are thriving under Slot’s guidance, delivering performances that remind fans of Liverpool’s storied past while promising an equally glittering future.