While it is too soon to put the trio in the same bracket as Salah, Firmino and Mane, there is no doubting the stunning contribution they have made to Liverpool’s remorseless first season under Slot as they race clear at the top of the Premier League, with only one defeat in 18 games.
In partnership with Salah, Firmino and Mane won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.
This is what the new breed must live up to – but Salah, Diaz and Gakpo are now pose a thrilling, unless you are in opposition, threat of their own.
And, as if they do not give opponents, not just those as truly abysmal as West Ham United, enough to worry about, Slot can also introduce the man who is arguably Liverpool’s most clinical finisher.
Diogo Jota proved this point with the final goal after Diaz, Gakpo and Salah provided the platform to establish a 3-0 lead by half-time.
“If you see the goals shared around it is pleasing to see,” added Slot. “If you only have one player scoring goals that’s not helpful but it is always good to have someone scoring a lot of goals.
“It was not only who scores the goals, it was the lead up to the goals that was positive, too.”
