Liverpool's problems at centre forward are now too OBVIOUS to ignore

Liverpool are attempting to win the Premier League and the Champions League this season but are beset with problems at centre forward.

There’s no other way to describe it.

Mohamed Salah is carrying the goalscoring burden on the right wing - netting 18 in the league - but from the No9 position there is precious little input.

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Liverpool’s striking options are currently:

Diogo Jota - five Premier League goals this season.

Darwin Nunez - two Premier League goals this season.

Luis Diaz - eight Premier League goals this season. It must be added that FIVE of Diaz’s total came inside the first five games of the campaign when he was still playing left wing.

And he is streaky; another way of looking at his goal output is noting that he’s only scored in five of the Reds’ 21 league games thus far.

Jota is beloved of most Liverpool fans who recognise his ability to sniff out a goal - not least like the one against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night. But just when it appears an injury problem is behind him another one strikes.

The 28-year-old Portuguese has been restricted to only seven Premier League starts this season and, despite starting the campaign as first choice, is having more of an impact off the bench.

Nunez’s situation is well known. Liverpool are prepared to accept £75 million for him this winter from Al-Hilal, whose opening £70m offer was rejected by FSG CEO of Football Michael Edwards. It’s clear at this stage that Nunez is NOT the solution Arne Slot is looking for at centre forward.

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Given the contract uncertainty over Diaz, it’s safe to assume that the Reds will be more than likely cashing in on him soon too. And as for Jota, his injury record and relatively advanced age, 28, means he too is not very likely to lead the line for the club over the next half-decade.

One day you might mix in Jayden Danns to the equation, who has scored a few goals in the FA Cup, but he is only a prospect at this stage and it’s unrealistic to hand him the No9 shirt now or in the near future.

Liverpool need a new No9 NOW

That means Liverpool are crying out for a centre forward either in this January transfer window or in summer.

Given FSG’s usual way of working, it would be a surprise to see a new face in the door this winter. A deal for Stefanos Tzimas could be wrapped up but even if they did sign them then it’s likely he would be parked elsewhere on loan until at least the end of the season.

Besides, with Brighton now making their interest in the Greek forward known, it’s entirely possible Liverpool miss out on yet another target.

Other names have been shared - including Brighton’s Joao Pedro and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush but the Egyptian looks set to move to Manchester City instead.

Missing out on a forward this January could have a big impact on Liverpool’s title ambitions.

Arne Slot’s side could only manage a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night despite dominating the expected goals totals. Forest put up 0.53 while the Reds put in 2.72. With Alisson out of form, Liverpool simply cannot afford to be missing opportunities to extend their lead at the top of the table.

The Merseysiders are underperforming their xG total this season, according to Understat. Although they are the league’s top scorers - on 48 - they should have closer to 52 according to the underlying numbers.

In tight games - for example in draws against Newcastle and Manchester United of late, there is little room for error.

A reliable, consistent frontman has got to be moving towards the top of the priority list for sporting director Richard Hughes.

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