Liverpool attacking change now obvious after Cody Gakpo 'difficult' admission

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For Arne Slot, though, there could be reason to be grateful for the current round of national team duty.The desire to get back on to the pitch and right the wrongs of three successive defeats before the temporary pause in action will have been burning strongly among Liverpool players as they departed Stamford Bridge earlier this month.But for a particular section of the Reds squad, a change of scenery and an opportunity to boost wavering confidence may ultimately prove huge beneficial.READ MORE: Liverpool could be without five players for Man Utd clash after two fresh injury issuesREAD MORE: Alexander Isak given lifeline after fresh nightmare as Liverpool striker admits 'crisis'A first glance at the statistics would suggest Liverpool, who were last season's top scorers in the Premier League, aren't having many issues in attack this term.In the top-flight, the Reds are only two goals behind current leading marksmen Manchester City with Arsenal the only other team to have netted more times in their opening seven games.The defence, having shipped nine goals in those matches compared to just three by Arsenal, is understandably bearing the brunt of criticism, despite Liverpool standing only a point adrift of the Gunners after a tough schedule at the start of the season.But the eye test indicates something is amiss in attack, hardly surprising given the exits of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez along with the tragic death of Diogo Jota. This term, it's 14 goals between six attackers with the Reds having played a game more.It's not that the Reds aren't threatening, with only Sunday's opponents Manchester United and Arsenal having attempted more shots.

And there's no guarantee the final plan settled on by Slot will match the initial vision painted by himself and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes."I think it's always been difficult when new players come in to adapt to the team," admits Cody Gakpo. "But I think now when we have a lot of new players, sometimes it's difficult when you change the team."We lost also a lot of players who were here for a long time.

It's all these things together - but I think we will find a way forward."But nothing can improve a forward's self-belief as much as a goal. And it's why Slot will have been encouraged by many of his forwards enjoying a fruitful time on national team duty.Gakpo scored three times in two games to edge Holland nearer the World Cup, while Mohamed Salah netted twice to seal Egypt's berth in next summer's tournament and was then given a game off.Ekitike made his full France senior debut and provided an assist for Kylian Mbappe, and while Isak struggled to help a poor Sweden side avoid successive home defeats to Switzerland and Kosovo, the 26-year-old at least came through a brace of 90 minutes to move nearer full match sharpness.Liverpool will hope to take advantage as their attacking evolution enters the next stage.