'Rusty' 6/10 Liverpool striker FAILS on the big stage

We recently brought you the news that Liverpool were planning a major summer overhaul of their attacking options.

And on the evidence of the Reds’ Champions League last-16 exit to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield, it’s not hard to see why Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are considered expendable.

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Jota has previously been a reliable source of goals for Liverpool - when fit - but looked woefully short in his starting role against PSG.

The 28-year-old was easily dealt with all night at the centre of Liverpool’s attack by PSG centre-back duo Marquinhos and Willian Pacho. Described as 'rusty' by the Express's player ratings, he earned only a 6/10.

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Time and again Arne Slot’s men were caught without an out-ball. Jota, given his size and durability, has neither the threat in behind nor physical threat to give problems to defences at this level.

Jota ineffective against PSG

The statistics were not particularly flattering; 0/3 in dribbles and only 33 touches. He had two shots, both off-target. In fairness, he wasn’t the only one wasteful in front of goal during his time on the pitch.

But this leg mirrored the first game in Paris, when he struggled for impact before making way for Darwin Nunez.

The Uruguayan has his flaws - not least penalty-taking - but it seems to be a blind spot of Slot that he cannot see how Nunez is better equipped to start matches like this.

Keep Nunez or Jota?

He can throw himself into challenges and use his strength and work rate to take the game to the opposition as demonstrated when he came on here.

It wasn't perfect, granted, and there were occasional inexplicable moments. But there were more signs of life at least than Jota before the shootout.

Fans were crying out for his inclusion from the beginning at Anfield, even more so after his weekend impact against Southampton. He scored and won a penalty, capping off a decent week in Red which had Mo Salah singing his praises.

But the penalty shootout miss suffered by Nunez was a devastating blow. Thrust into the action at the Anfield Road End, he looked bereft of confidence in front of goal, his body language telling a sad story.

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In an ideal world, Liverpool move on from both of their centre-forward options and sign a more regular, reliable goalscorer. It’s testament to Slot that he’s got the club this far without one.

But to sustain the success he’s had already, upgrades are needed.

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