Jamie Carragher has shared who he thinks Jurgen Klopp should play as Liverpool’s front three.
Speaking to Optus Sport, Carragher says Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane would be his picks to lead the line for The Reds.
“It’s very easy for me, I think it is a front three right now still, I just think Jota and Firmino have traded positions,” said Carragher when asked by Mark Schwarzer for his thoughts.
“I think it’d still be Mo Salah, Jota through the middle and Sadio mane on the left.”
The pundit indicated that he thinks Diaz could break into the trio next season. But in Carragher’s opinion, Roberto Firmino has been squeezed out for good.
“I think Diaz still has to show us what he’s about, but I think that conversation is maybe more for next season,” said Carragher.
“But I think it’s going to be very difficult for Roberto Firmino to ever establish himself back in that front three. Just because of the goals that Jota is getting now, he’s been absolutely fantastic.”
It’s hard to argue against the sheer volume of goals that Jota has provided this season. But injuries have also played a part in Firmino being out the side.
The Brazilian has played more games than any other player under Klopp at Liverpool. It isn’t out of the question that he could make a comback.
Changing of the guard
Mane was brought off on the 80th minute at Wembley on Sunday. Meanwhile, Luis Diaz remained on the pitch for Liverpool.
Although this doesn’t have to indicate any wider thinking on Klopp’s part, it was interesting that the new man was seen as the better option to see out the game.
Mane hadn’t played poorly, far from it. He linked Liverpool’s play well from a central position and would have had an excellent assist if Joel Matip’s headed goal had been allowed to stand.
But Diaz was something else.
The Colombian was a constant threat to Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah on Chelsea’s right. His pace, trickery and directness caused The Blues all sorts of issues.
As Salah toiled on the opposite side, any goal for Liverpool looked like coming from the left.
Big decisions on the horizon
It was a glimpse into what the future might look like for Liverpool as Jota replaced Mane.
Unfortunately, the switch didn’t quite work. Maybe Diaz ran out of steam, or Jota wasn’t fully recovered from the ankle injury that kept him from starting. Either way, Liverpool looked less of a threat.
Wednesday’s visit of Norwich City is likely to see a changed line-up. After such an intense game on Sunday, it would be a surprise to see any of Mane, Salah, Jota or Diaz start the game. Firmino remains side-lined through injury.
But Saturday’s game against West Ham United is a big one. The Reds need a to win to keep the pressure on Manchester City ahead of the Manchester Derby on Sunday.
Who Klopp picks to lead the line give some insight into where his thoughts are at.
Mane still clearly has so much to offer. But given his contract situation, maybe the manager will look to blood Diaz more often in a bid to shape a front three for next season and beyond.
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