Jota’s Fitness Struggles and Slot’s Tactics: Liverpool’s Challenges Explained | OneFootball

Jota’s Absence and Slot’s Strategy: Liverpool’s Challenges and Hopes

Liverpool’s title charge under Arne Slot is entering a crucial phase, but injuries and form remain key talking points. Dave Davis, speaking on The Daily Red Podcast for Anfield Index, dissected the current state of the squad, with a particular focus on Diogo Jota’s fitness and Slot’s evolving tactical approach.

Jota’s Injury: A Familiar Frustration

The biggest concern remains Diogo Jota’s fitness, or more specifically, his lack of it. As Davis pointed out, “There’s no real news been given of whether he’s actually travelled with the team… no one seems to have that at the moment.”

Jota’s numbers this season underline his importance. “He’s played 19 [games], eight goals, two assists—so 10 goal contributions in 960 minutes,” Davis highlighted, before adding, “That tells you his average goal contribution is below per 90. That’s how important he is for us.”

However, the frustration with Jota is nothing new. “It’s always just the same problem with Diogo Jota, isn’t it? It’s that ultimate frustration—availability.” Davis lamented, emphasising how much of a difference his presence could make in a title race.

Even more worryingly, Liverpool fans are accustomed to cryptic updates when it comes to Jota’s fitness. “A Jota niggle could just mean he’s caught leprosy or something like that, you just never know with Diogo Jota what it could be,” Davis joked, hinting at the uncertainty surrounding his return.

Slot’s Selection Dilemma: Elliott’s Place in the Squad

Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager since Jurgen Klopp’s departure, has been blunt about squad selection, particularly regarding Harvey Elliott. Speaking about Elliott’s limited minutes, Slot was quoted as saying, “It would be weird if he came to say to me, ‘I’m so happy with the playing time I have at the moment.’ No doubts about that at all.”

Slot further clarified Elliott’s standing in the squad, explaining: “Harvey is in competition with four or five very good midfielders,” and listing Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister as those ahead of him. “You have to be completely honest. Harvey is behind Szobo, Jones, Gravenberch, and Mac in the pecking order. There are no two ways about it. He is fifth choice—maybe even sixth.”

Davis sees this as a sign that Elliott’s time at Anfield might be running out. “I’m just expecting Harvey Elliott to be off in the summer, I really do.” With clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Brighton linked to the youngster, an exit seems increasingly likely.

Darwin Núñez: A Striker Under Scrutiny

Darwin Núñez remains a divisive figure, and Slot has come to his defence. When asked about the striker’s struggles, Slot refuted claims that Núñez was suffering from a crisis of confidence: “That’s your perception and maybe the perception of other people as well, but it’s not my perception that he’s struggling in self-confidence.”

Slot highlighted Núñez’s contributions beyond goals, stating, “He was involved against Accrington Stanley in the first goal again as well. He was involved in the goal against Fulham that Jota scored, and he scored one against Southampton.” However, even Slot admitted that “we’re not able yet to bring out the best of him this season.”

Davis, though, remains sceptical. “The evidence points to something different, doesn’t it? How many chances, how much of a sample size do we want for Darwin Núñez to say he’s not really going to be a huge success story at Liverpool?”

Reports of genuine Saudi interest in Núñez have also surfaced, with journalist Lewis Steele indicating that a potential move could materialise. “As I’m saying this, I am desperate for Darwin Núñez to ram this back down my throat today, smash my teeth in, the lot.” Davis admitted, expressing hope but little expectation of a turnaround.

Conclusion: Three Points or More Questions?

A win against Brentford would allow Liverpool to heap pressure on Arsenal and Aston Villa in their pursuit of Champions League football. However, anything less than three points could trigger further scrutiny—on injuries, squad depth, and Liverpool’s ability to finish the season strongly under Slot.

As Davis put it best, “Three points, no injuries—that’s the mantra today, isn’t it?” Liverpool fans will certainly hope that by full-time, the team remains on course for the title, rather than heading into another week of difficult questions.