We looked forward - but took steps BACK

UNFAIR TO JUDGE FORWARD LINE DEPSITE

- By IAN DOYLE Chief LFC Writer

ARNE Slot believes it is unfair to pass judgement on Liverpool's revamped forward line given the lengthy absence for much of the season of British record signing Alexander Isak.

Despite notching 21 times in their last seven games in all competitions, the Reds have overall struggled to match their goal-laden form of last season's Premier League when they were top scorers on the way to the title.

Their tally of 40 from 25 topflight games is 20 fewer than they had managed at this stage last term, with five other clubs having netted more times in the top flight this campaign.

While £79million Hugo Ekitike has impressed with 15 goals in 33 outings, Isak has been limited to just three in 16 appearances having suffered a number of fitness concerns, the most recent of which saw him break his leg at Tottenham Hotspur before Christmas.

Mohamed Salah has experienced an alarming drop in output with a mere six goals this season, only one of which has come since November, while Cody Gakpo has struggled to make a consistent impact on the left.

Gakpo's form has prompted several observers to question the £65.5m summer sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, where the Colombian winger has managed 18 goals and 14 assists in 30 games having delivered 25 goal contributions for Liverpool last season.

And asked if Liverpool were missing Diaz, Slot said: “You always miss good football players. He was so important for us last season, but he wasn’t the only one.