Arne Slot has one major problem to solve at Liverpool, if he fixes it Liverpool will win the Premier League title.
The Merseysiders bid farewell to Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season and now a new era will begin under Slot’s stewardship, who is set to arrive from Feyenoord.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, the Dutchman will be plotting his targets to make his own imprint on the squad.
If he addresses one specific area, Slot could win the Premier League in his first season at Anfield.
Arne Slot must sign a false nine this summer
Roberto Firmino left for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli last summer and his absence has become pretty apparent.
Darwin Nunez has attempted to fill the void but without any real success and it’s evident Liverpool don’t really have anyone of a similar profile.
Firmino played as a false nine and helped to gell the front three together whilst also connecting the midfield.
Without him, it’s been a little disjointed at times and whilst Mohamed Salah’s numbers remain impressive, it’s clear he’s dropped a level.
Perhaps for the jet-heeled winger to really flourish, he needs a forward that’s willing to drop a little deeper – freeing up space in behind the defence.
Liverpool should consider signing Joshua Zirkzee
Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a number of clubs ahead of the window, with Liverpool thought to be one of the interested parties.
The former Bayern Munich striker, who can operate behind a focal point, has enjoyed a productive campaign in Serie A, netting 11 times whilst laying on five assists.
According to FBref data, Zirkzee ranks in the top 18 per cent for shot-creating actions compared to his positional peers across the big five leagues, evincing his playmaking ability.
Having a forward of that profile would be beneficial for Salah, Nunez, Luis Diaz, amongst others, and it could be the catalyst for a Premier League triumph.
Valued at £45m, Zirkzee would be a shrewd acquisition this summer.