Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Wolves highlights a pressing issue on the wings. Starting next season with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo as primary wide options signals deeper problems for the team.

Declining Output from Key Wingers

Both players have contributed significantly in past seasons, but recent performances demand change. Salah netted Liverpool’s lone goal in the loss at Molineux, bringing his season tally to eight goals—six from open play—and eight assists across 30 matches. While respectable, this falls short of his previous standards.

Gakpo matches with eight goals and four assists. However, neither provides the pace, one-vs-one dribbling, or explosive separation that Liverpool desperately requires to generate high-quality chances.

Ngumoha’s Rise Steals the Spotlight

Rio Ngumoha, a 17-year-old England youth international, made a strong case as a substitute. In just 30 minutes, he forced an excellent save from Jose Sa and delivered a pinpoint 92nd-minute cross that Virgil van Dijk missed. Despite a defensive lapse before Wolves’ winner—expected from a teenager—his pace and directness transformed the attack.

Steven Gerrard, commenting on TNT Sports, urged action: “For 65 minutes, Liverpool were desperate tonight, really poor. Didn’t create enough. Didn’t play at the right speed or the right tempo. They didn’t have enough quality. He [Arne Slot] has to start Ngumoha now. He’s coming on and doing more in a short space of time than Gakpo is doing in 65-70 minutes. He deserves to start now.”

Performance Metrics Expose Flaws

Salah lost possession 28 times against Wolves—12 more than any teammate—and nearly every touch proved ineffective. His first league goal since November came too late to shift momentum, and a delayed pass to Dominik Szoboszlai squandered a clear chance.

Gakpo took four of Liverpool’s 15 shots, landing only one on target. This season, 25 of his 64 attempts have been blocked, and 22 missed entirely, revealing predictability that defenders exploit.

Transfer Strategy and Tactical Woes

Selling both makes financial sense. Bayern Munich eyes Gakpo, who could fetch double the £37 million fee from 2022. Salah remains attractive to Saudi Pro League clubs despite his reluctance for a bench role.

Beyond the wings, Arne Slot faces challenges. Liverpool concedes late goals uniquely in Premier League history—five in the 90th minute or later this season. Defensive and midfield vulnerabilities persist, but wing upgrades like Yan Diomande or Bradley Barcola, plus more Ngumoha minutes, offer solutions.

The duo’s combined £650,000 weekly wages demand better returns. Modern football prioritizes unpredictability and speed—qualities Liverpool must acquire to reclaim contention.