Liverpool may have enjoyed renowned success under the managerial reign of Jurgen Klopp at the Merseyside.
However, the team have only been outstanding thanks to the form Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah have brought to the mix.
While we acknowledge Klopp's managerial and tactical prowess in changing things for good in a game. The African pair aforementioned pair above have driven the Anfield side to a new level, to say the least.
They've beaten European rival AC Milan 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League opener with Mo Salah finding the back of the net to make it 2-2 against the Italian giants.
So expect them to continue to hold the jigsaw for Liverpool as the new season progress in earnest.
On this note, Goalballlive.com evaluates why Liverpool are too reliant on the pair of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Firmino's Low Goal Return
The Brazilian has been good on the Red shirt overall as we’ve seen him coming up with vital goals when the chips are down for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
He’s flanked by the likes of Salah (Mohamed) and Mane (Sadio), but the African stars have scored more than him even though they’ve been playing mostly from the wings.
It has always resulted in Liverpool needing help from the African pair upfront just like they opened (Salah) and rounded off the scoring (Mane) for Liverpool at the weekend against Leeds United.
As a manager, you cannot but acknowledge their vitality to the team as Firmino continues with his low goal ratio at the club.
Klopp’s unwillingness to buy
The German tactician (Klopp) has masterminded a certain level of achievement for Liverpool winning the Champions League at Tottenham’s expense and bringing glory to Anfield.
But his unwillingness to sign players have generally affected his team's performance.
We’ve seen what the reliance of Virgil Van Dijk has cost Liverpool as they only managed a place in the top four at the end of last season.
With players like Xherdan Shaqiri and Ryan Kent out of the Reds' team due to their varying career adventures, Liverpool has got to add more capable legs to their team.
But the clubs' reluctance to sign quality players have been one of Liverpool faithful's major concern as Klopp continues to rely on the goal-scoring pair of Salah & Mane in the final third for Liverpool.
Liverpool Thin Squad Dilemna
The Reds have a squad lacking clearly in-depth as Divock Origi was meant to lead the charge for goal in Roberto Firmino’s stead against AC Milan.
It’s underwhelming for the club to be in this scenario as there are players who would readily want to pitch their tent with Liverpool straight away.
With Dutch star, Georginio Wijnaldum gone to PSG and no replacement made, the onus and leadership on the pitch will still rest on both Africans.
Even the inspiration they bring will be needed on the field of play as far as Liverpool's title aspiration is concerned.
In all regards, players like Jack Grealish (now at Manchester City) and Eberechi Eze (at Crystal Palace) could have added immense quality to the Reds side.
But it would all boil down to Mane and Salah to provide the magic ahead of Liverpool’s next game in the season.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
