Arne Slot claims Liverpool’s hectic fixture list is key to keeping his six attackers happy – as the Dutchman hails the ‘quality’ and ‘culture’ of the Reds’ squad

  • Five of Liverpool’s six forward players have already been on target this season
  • Arne Slot has praised them and added they understand their roles and are happy
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Arne Slot thinks Liverpool’s hectic fixture list is the key to keeping his Super Six forwards all happy.

Slot has an embarrassment of riches up front with Mo Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez all competing for three spots, adding to the significance of wins in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

‘The positive thing with us having so many games is that they will all play a lot of games,’ said Slot ahead of Saturday’s league trip to Wolves.

‘They understand they won’t play every game but they have to stay sharp. As long as they accept the situation, and that is what they are dong, it is positive.

‘They have good numbers and I see them smile a lot. I have to keep them happy in what they doing.’

Arne Slot says Liverpool’s hectic fixture list is key to keeping his Super Six forwards all happy

Mo Salah (centre), Diogo Jota (left), Luis Diaz (right), Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez are all competing for three spots

Mo Salah (centre), Diogo Jota (left), Luis Diaz (right), Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez are all competing for three spots

All bar Chiesa, who made his first start in the 5-1 midweek cup win against West Ham, have already been on target and Diaz in particular has started brightly with five goals from his six appearances.

‘For me it says these players have a lot of quality and that the team is always creating chances. If we play Cody or Lucho (Diaz), it leads to assists and goals.

‘I am really happy with the squad I inherited from Jurgen Klopp, not only the quality but maybe even more importantly the culture.

‘The players accept their role and always want to work hard for the team. It has been a privilege to inherit this group though until now, all our wins have come against teams currently in the bottom half of the table.

Alisson has returned to training and could play against Wolves on Saturday

Alisson has returned to training and could play against Wolves on Saturday

‘Maybe the fixture list has helped us. Let’s see if we can keep scoring goals if it gets harder.’

Wolves are currently bottom though Slot believes their performances have been better than results suggest, holding Aston Villa until the final few minutes last weekend.

Reds goalkeeper Alisson is back in training after injury and could replace Caoimhin Kelleher.

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