Cody Gakpo or Luis Diaz? Who will Slot slot in for Liverpool?

Liverpool’s recent 5-1 thumping of West Ham in the Carabao Cup really showed off the Reds’ attacking depth. Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo each bagged a brace, and Mo Salah got on the scoresheet too, making it a night to remember against Julen Lopetegui’s lot. It’s not just those three, though. We’ve got Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Federico Chiesa ready to mix it upfront.

Lucho, our first-choice left-winger, has been smashing it, bringing flair and goals this season, which is something we didn’t see enough of before. The 27-year-old Colombian has five goals and an assist in six appearances across all competitions this season. The attackers gave Arne Slot a real selection headache after their performances, all looking sharp, some in their limited appearances so far this season. Against the Hammers though, Cody got the chance to shine.

Gakpo put in a shift that people will be talking about for a while. The front line was on fire, with five of the six attackers contributing with a goal or assist. Nunez linked up nicely with Gakpo for his first goal, showing the chemistry between them. Slot’s got a nice problem on his hands. He went with a 4-2-4 formation against West Ham, picking four of his six options, with Jota and Nunez down the middle and Gakpo and Chiesa out wide.

Well in, Cody!

The former PSV man looks like a new man playing on the left wing, a spot he didn’t get much of a chance to shine in under Klopp. After helping the Netherlands to the semi-finals in the European Championship, he’s carried that form into this season. His ball-carrying skills and direct play make him a handful for defenders, similar to Diaz. It’ll be interesting to see how Slot juggles between Gakpo and Diaz as the season rolls on. But hey, having depth is never a bad thing in football, is it?

Diaz has been nothing short of a revelation. His blend of flair and end product has added a new edge to our attack. He’s been cutting inside, finishing with precision, and causing all sorts of problems for defenders. His consistency and knack for delivering in key moments have made him a first-team regular. But with Gakpo’s current form, Slot’s got a good kind of selection dilemma.

And let’s not forget Darwin Nunez, who adds a different dimension with his physical presence and aerial ability. His link-up play with Gakpo for one of the goals against West Ham showed he’s got more to his game than just brute strength. Federico Chiesa is still finding his feet, but he’s already shown glimpses of his quality and will be a crucial player as the season progresses.

Lucho’s on fire as well!

Slot’s tactical flexibility is a massive plus. Against West Ham, his 4-2-4 formation worked a treat, but he’s got the option to switch back to a 4-2-3-1 or even a 4-3-3 [not used under Slot so far], depending on who we’re up against. This kind of flexibility is a luxury not many managers have, and it gives Liverpool a big advantage.

Gakpo vs. Diaz is shaping up to be an interesting battle. Gakpo’s ability to drive forward and his newfound composure in front of goal make him a strong contender. His performance against West Ham will have given Slot plenty to think about. On the other hand, Diaz’s flair and knack for producing moments of magic mean he’ll be hard to displace.

Cody, playing off the left, looks like the second coming of Thierry Henry. His speed, skill, and finishing are reminiscent of the French legend, making him a massive threat. Lucho, under Arne Slot, is playing like Neymar, dazzling with his dribbling and creativity. Slot’s ability to bring out these qualities in his players has been a game-changer.

This or that?

Mo Salah, as always, is a key man for us. His goal-scoring record speaks for itself, and he’s someone who can change the game in an instant. With Salah leading the attack and the likes of Jota, Diaz, Gakpo, Nunez, and Chiesa around him, Liverpool’s attacking potential is huge.

Depth in football is crucial. Injuries, suspensions, and loss of form can hit any team, and having quality options means we can maintain high-performance levels throughout the season. Slot’s ability to rotate without dropping the quality is a big strength and will be key as we compete on multiple fronts.

All in all, the win over West Ham was a perfect showcase of our attacking depth. Jota, Gakpo, and Salah all found the net, while Nunez and Chiesa added to the quality in the squad. Diaz, meanwhile, had a well-deserved rest day but best believe that these lot will all be ready to come at your defence sooner than later. Slot’s tactical flexibility and his willingness to adapt have unlocked the full potential of these attacking talents.

With such depth and quality, Liverpool see themselves well-placed to challenge for trophies this season. The competition for places will keep everyone on their toes, ensuring performances stay at the highest level. As the season goes on, Slot’s knack for managing and utilising this depth will be crucial for Liverpool’s success. But to answer the big question; Gakpo or Diaz? You know it’s not something you and I could decide. As long as the club gets wins. YNWA!