Is Liverpool’s New Front Three Superior to Salah, Mané & Firmino?

Jürgen Klopp’s iconic Liverpool side was defined by its formidable attacking trio, with Mohamed Salah completing a partnership that dominated European football.

With Salah delivering a flurry of goals from the right, Brazilian maestro Roberto Firmino orchestrating play through the centre with moments of brilliance and Sadio Mané offering a mix of selflessness and dynamism on the left, Liverpool achieved unparalleled success. Together, they claimed the Premier League, Champions League and more, forming a triumvirate revered across Europe.

Fast forward to the present and Liverpool’s attacking force under head coach Arne Slot has evolved into a new three-pronged threat that echoes the glory days of the past. Could this new front three surpass the legendary combination of Salah, Mané and Firmino?

Mohamed Salah: The Everlasting Kingpin

Salah remains the linchpin of Liverpool’s attacking machine. His recent goal in the commanding 5-0 victory over West Ham United marked yet another milestone: his 20th goal in all competitions this season. Astonishingly, Salah has achieved this feat in every one of his eight seasons at Liverpool.

His contributions in 2024 are staggering. With 29 goals and 23 assists, Salah has been involved in 52 goals across all competitions—more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. Additionally, he has scored and assisted in eight different Premier League matches this season, setting a new record for a single campaign.

Slot, Liverpool’s manager, hailed Salah’s work ethic: “Mo and the word ‘extraordinary’ go hand in hand and he deserves that recognition. His commitment to the team is unparalleled.”

Despite being the standout figure, Salah is not alone in driving Liverpool’s success. The team currently leads the Premier League by eight points as 2025 approaches, while also topping their Champions League group in the new competition format.

Slot’s Front Three: A Natural Chemistry

With Firmino and Mané moving on, Slot has crafted a new attacking trio featuring Salah alongside Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo. This refreshed line-up is already making waves, with all three players scoring in the emphatic win at the London Stadium.

Díaz, who shone with a brace in the recent 6-3 triumph over Tottenham, continues to evolve. Initially deployed as a wide player after his arrival from Porto in January 2022, the Colombian is now thriving in central areas. While he may lack Firmino’s finesse, Díaz compensates with clinical finishing and a growing consistency in front of goal.

On the left flank, Cody Gakpo has emerged as a pivotal figure. A standout performer for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, Gakpo combines creativity with a sharp eye for goal. His ability to cut inside and deliver decisive contributions makes him a potent weapon in Liverpool’s arsenal.

The interplay among Salah, Díaz and Gakpo is seamless. Their mutual understanding and high-class performances make this trio a natural fit, with each player operating on the same wavelength to devastating effect.

Mane-Firmino-Salah vs Gakpo-Díaz-Salah: The Numbers

A comparison of Liverpool’s current front three with the iconic partnership of 2019-20—when Liverpool won the Premier League—reveals intriguing insights.

During the title-winning campaign, Klopp’s trusted trio was nearly ever-present. Firmino featured in all 38 matches, with Mané appearing in 35 and Salah in 34. Despite their consistency, their combined goal tally of 46 for the season is being challenged by the current crop.

After 18 matches this season, Gakpo, Díaz and Salah have already amassed 30 goals. Their shot conversion and big-chance conversion rates are notably superior.

Here’s a closer look at the individual statistics:

• Left Flank: Gakpo’s five goals, scored at a rate of one every 180 minutes, trail Mané’s output. However, Gakpo is particularly lethal when presented with big chances.

• Central Role: Díaz is outscoring Firmino at a faster rate but offers fewer assists.
• Right Flank: Salah, remarkably, is performing better than ever. His 19 goals and 10 assists already surpass the 17 goals and 13 assists he recorded during the entire 2019-20 campaign.

While these figures are impressive, it’s the longevity of Salah, Mané and Firmino’s partnership that stands out. Together, they netted a staggering 245 goals across five years—a benchmark the current trio aspires to reach.

The Promise of Slot’s Front Three

It’s premature to rank Salah, Díaz and Gakpo alongside the legendary trio just yet. However, their impact in Slot’s debut season has been nothing short of sensational. Liverpool sit atop the Premier League with just one defeat in 18 games, showcasing the trio’s effectiveness.

The previous era’s success—encompassing the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and more—sets a high bar for the new generation. Yet, Salah, Díaz and Gakpo are forging their own legacy with thrilling, dynamic performances.

Adding to Liverpool’s attacking depth is Diogo Jota, often regarded as the team’s most clinical finisher. Jota reinforced this view by scoring Liverpool’s final goal in the 5-0 demolition of West Ham, capping off a dominant display led by the front three.

Slot praised the collective effort:
“It’s pleasing to see goals shared around. Relying on one scorer isn’t ideal, so having multiple players contributing is crucial. It’s not just about who scores; the build-up play has been equally impressive.”

The Verdict: A New Era of Dominance?

Liverpool’s front three under Slot are blazing a trail reminiscent of the Salah-Mané-Firmino era, yet they bring their unique qualities to the table. With Salah at his peak, Díaz offering a cutting edge and Gakpo blending creativity with efficiency, Liverpool fans have every reason to be excited.

While comparisons with the past trio are inevitable, the focus remains on the present. Can this group deliver the same level of success and cement their status among the greats? Time will tell, but for now, they are certainly lighting up Anfield and terrorising defences across Europe.