Liverpool Wingers: Arne Slot Says Transfers Aren’t Simple Fix

Liverpool’s struggles to generate consistent attacking output from its wingers have become a defining issue this season, but head coach Arne Slot suggests that simply adding new players isn’t necessarily the solution. The marked decline in form from Mohamed Salah, who has found the net just five times in league play, has been particularly damaging to the team’s overall performance.

The difficulties of Cody Gakpo, coupled with his integration alongside left-back Milos Kerkez, have further compounded the offensive challenges. Whereas many supporters believe reinforcements are needed – whether through transfers or promoting academy talent like Rio Ngumoha – Slot is urging caution, suggesting that the issue may lie deeper than personnel.

“It’s not only about that individual,” Slot explained to the Liverpool Echo. “If we don’t generate enough from the sides then maybe we don’t switch the ball swift enough, we don’t bring them into enough open situations to improve these players.”

Slot’s assessment points to a systemic problem, rather than a deficiency in individual talent. He believes that improving the team’s overall attacking structure and creating more opportunities for wingers to thrive is paramount. The potential of academy prospect Ngumoha is acknowledged, but Slot emphasizes that development takes time and isn’t always a quick fix.

“We have of course a 17-year-old player (Ngumoha) who is improving more and more and more. It’s not always the transfer market; the answer is also the training ground and trying to improve that part.”

However, Slot also acknowledges the broader challenges facing wingers in the modern game. He questions whether Liverpool are significantly underperforming compared to other teams in the Premier League, and points to the increasingly sophisticated defensive tactics employed by opponents.

“But again, show me which teams are doing that so much better than us in the Premier League.”

He highlighted the difficulty of breaking down defenses packed with “10 big athletes who are really fast defending in and around the box,” arguing that the position of winger has become “the hardest position to play in current football” due to limited space and the quality of opposing defenders.

The lack of pace in Liverpool’s attack has been a recurring criticism, leading to the unconventional deployment of Jeremie Frimpong – typically a full-back – as a right-midfielder/winger on four occasions this season. Slot acknowledged the changing dynamics of the position, noting a historical preference for players who could beat defenders on the outside and deliver crosses.

“Maybe it has nothing to do with it but back in the day, there was right-footer on the right and a left-footer on the left. Why? Because in that era you could go on the outside and cross it in, but everyone is so fast now.”

He suggested that Frimpong’s success in exploiting space on the outside is becoming increasingly rare, requiring exceptional speed and skill. “Jeremie sometimes tries, especially at the conclude of the game when other teams are tired he succeeds with it, but at the beginning We see hard.”

Despite Slot’s emphasis on tactical adjustments and player development, Liverpool are reportedly still exploring potential transfer targets. RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande has emerged as a prominent name, with journalist David Lynch reporting that the club has “watched extensively” the 19-year-old forward ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Sky Germany, Liverpool’s interest in Diomande is genuine, although a move for Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise is considered “completely unrealistic.”

A statistical comparison of Salah and Gakpo’s performance this season versus last reveals a significant drop-off in attacking output. Salah’s goals per 90 minutes have fallen from 0.77 in the 2024/25 season to just 0.25 in the current campaign, while Gakpo’s have decreased from 0.46 to 0.27. Their combined goals and assists per 90 have also seen a substantial decline.

While Slot’s analysis highlights the complexities of the situation, and the potential for improvement through tactical adjustments, the statistical evidence suggests that a fresh injection of attacking impetus could be beneficial. Whether that comes through a new signing like Diomande, or the continued development of existing players, remains to be seen.