'Got to': Micah Richards tells Liverpool exactly what their front six should look like when Mohamed Salah returns
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Arne Slot Told Exactly What His Liverpool Front Six Should Look Like When Mohamed Salah Returns
As Liverpool FC manager Arne Slot prepares for Mohamed Salah's return from the Africa Cup of Nations, pundits and analysts are outlining the ideal front six to maximize the team's attacking potential. Salah, the 33-year-old Egyptian star, wrapped up Egypt's tournament with a third-place playoff loss to Nigeria on Saturday, missing a penalty but amassing five goal involvements in four games[4]. He is expected back at Kirkby soon, though Slot remains undecided on his immediate involvement, particularly for the upcoming Champions League clash against Marseille[1][3].
Recent Liverpool lineups without Salah have featured a fluid attacking setup. Against Burnley, Slot deployed a 4-2-3-1 with Alisson in goal; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, and Kerkez at the back; Szoboszlai and Gravenberch in midfield; and Wirtz, Mac Allister, Gakpo behind striker Ekitike[3]. For Marseille, predictions suggest a similar structure but with Szoboszlai shifting rightward alongside Wirtz, Gakpo, and Ekitike, potentially replacing Salah from the start due to his international fatigue. Mac Allister could return for fresh legs, displacing Curtis Jones[1].
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore offers a bolder vision for 2026, suggesting Slot might phase out veterans like Salah and Van Dijk to invest in youth. He envisions a front six blending Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak (recovering from a leg fracture), and Florian Wirtz, prioritizing long-term evolution over nostalgia. Collymore notes Salah's frustrations amid hype for new signings like Isak and Wirtz, predicting a possible summer exit despite recent extensions[2].
Micah Richards echoes this, insisting Liverpool's front six must revolve around Salah's return but integrated with dynamic talents: Szoboszlai's UCL form (goals in three of four games), Wirtz's creativity, Gakpo's versatility, and Ekitike up top. "Got to get it right—Salah leads, but the engine room powers it," Richards urges, emphasizing balance amid injuries to Isak, Bradley, and others[1][3]. Slot, happy for Salah's return, stresses his importance: "Even with 15 attackers, I'd want Mo back."[3]
This setup promises firepower as Liverpool chase silverware, blending Salah's proven edge with emerging stars. (298 words)