Liverpool’s quality has been such across the past decade that blips are met with dismay across the red half of Merseyside. Anfield and its supporters, quite simply, are used to winning.

Ten years ago, Liverpool appointed Jurgen Klopp following Brendan Rodgers’ dismissal. Ten years ago, everything changed. Now, the Reds are considered among the most ferocious and feared in Europe; beating Liverpool is a trophy in itself.

But Arne Slot has work to do, with Liverpool having lost three in a row, including successive league outings in the final moments.

Superstar signings such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have yet to hit their stride on Merseyside, and there’s no denying there are tactical balances from head to toe. This is all grist for the mill of negativity, but Liverpool are sure to click into gear soon.

However, not all problems can be fixed so simply. For example, Mohamed Salah has been one of the most disappointing stars so far,

Liverpool preparing for Salah departure

Salah is of an age that poor form is viewed through the lens of the inevitable decline, which claims footballers into their thirties. But this is short-sighted.

Only last season, the 33-year-old scored 34 goals and laid on 23 assists across all competitions, broke the Premier League record for goal involvements in a 38-game season (47).

There’s no denying the Egyptian has been poor this term, anonymous for large sections of games and enduring his slowest start to a Liverpool campaign with three goals and assists apiece from ten matches. But he is still Salah, and Liverpool’s problems reach every area of the field.

While the long-serving superstar is expected to find a purple patch once again this term, there’s no denying he is getting older, and Liverpool need to find themselves a successor.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has been earmarked as the man for the job.

According to Spanish sources, the in-form Premier League star is right at the top of Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes’ shopping list as he plans for the future, though competition is sure to be thick.

The Ghana international is valued at £75m and Bournemouth resisted an effort from Tottenham this summer. He has since signed a new contract at the Vitality, running until 2029, so the Cherries’ position is strong.

Why Liverpool want Antoine Semenyo

Liverpool’s chaotic season opener was a sign of things to come, winning 4-3 against Bournemouth. Semenyo bagged a brace and played with incredible quality and composure.

Now seven matches deep into the league campaign, Semenyo has scored six times all told and provided three assists too. This is a remarkable return; this is Salah-like territory.

Indeed, while Salah is well below his best, there’s a sense that even if the £400k-per-week star was on his A-game, he might not be on the same level as Bournemouth’s main man, whose efforts thus far have even led one Premier League analyst to suggest he is “one of the best players in the world”.

Matches (starts)

7 (7)

7 (7)

Goals

2

6

Assists

2

3

Shots (on target)*

1.7 (0.7)

2.4 (1.3)

Touches*

42.1

50.0

Pass completion

74%

75%

Chances created*

1.7

1.4

Dribbles*

0.1

2.1

Ball recoveries*

3.4

5.6

Tackles*

0.0

1.7

Duels won*

1.4

6.7

It is, quite frankly, a staggering drop-off, with Semenyo outstripping the legendary winger across every area in the Premier League this season. The Ghanaian has been sharper in attack, more intelligent on the ball and far more combative and engaged in the build-up.

Salah remains one of the deadliest forwards in English football history, though, and his two-goal haul so far this season has lifted him above Andy Cole and into fourth place in the all-time scoring charts.

But with Federico Chiesa and Jeremie Frimpong stood as Salah’s back-up options on the attacking right flank this term, it’s very clear that a high-level replacement would be needed.

It might be worth drawing attention to the fact that Semenyo is of an age with a 25-year-old version of Salah, a version who waved goodbye to a career in Italy and signed for Klopp’s Liverpool in a £34m deal.

And the signs, to be sure, are promising. While the data pool is shallow, statistical site FBref have crunched the data to reveal Semenyo ranks not only among the best for output in the English top flight this season, but among the top 10% for ball recoveries and the top 3% for aerial battles won per 90.

A ball recovery is defined by the number of loose balls recovered by a player.

There is little to suggest he would not be a star at Liverpool. Two-footed and dynamic, the £75k-per-week talent feels very Liverpool-esque, with a hunger for success at the highest level and a fearsome, high-octane take on the game.

Last season, Semenyo scored 11 goals and posted six assists in the Premier League. This gave him praise from many and it provided Bournemouth with a £70m bid from Spurs to chew on. Now, he is levels higher. Imagine the heights he could hit in Slot’s Liverpool squad.

In April, Salah penned new terms at Liverpool. The greatest player in the Anfield side’s recent chapter will play his football in red until the end of next season. But what if Salah fails to reclaim his one-time level? Can Slot afford such a weak link dominating his frontline for much time to come?

With Semenyo added to the fold, there’s a sense Liverpool would have all they need to come together and hit that vein of form which would carry them to titles and sustained success.