"He’s not where he should be" - Steve Nicol tells Arne Slot to drop Liverpool star from starting XI

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has implored Arne Slot to start Diogo Jota over Darwin Nunez due to the former's superior finishing.

Nunez had a decent campaign under Jurgen Klopp last season, netting 18 goals and providing 13 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions. However, he struggled to convert a lot of good opportunities, missing 27 big chances in the Premier League.

On the other hand, Jota always looked like a threat when on the pitch, garnering 15 goals and four assists in 32 appearances across all competitions. Unfortunately, the 27-year-old's season was hindered by a muscle injury and knee collateral ligament tear, resulting in him missing 21 games in total.

Both attackers will be aiming to make an instant impact under new Liverpool boss Arne Slot this season. However, ESPN pundit Steve Nicol wants Jota to lead the line as he said (via HITC):

“I think Jota is one of the best finishers in the Premier League and that’s the reason I’ve got him ahead of Nunez. That’s (finishing) the one thing that Nunez has to get better at. Jota is a better finisher than him and with a new manager coming in you’ve got to want to have a good start, you can’t think about the future."

He added:

“Right now, in terms of finishing, he’s not where he should be. Jota is where he should be and that’s why I’d start him (Jota) against Ipswich.”

Liverpool kick off their 2024-25 Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Saturday, August 17.

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Paul Scholes reveals the 2 signings Liverpool need this summer to become 'a really good team'

Manchester United icon Paul Scholes reckons Liverpool need to sign a new central defensive midfielder and centre-back this summer to get to the next level under Arne Slot.

The Reds had a decent 2023-24 campaign during Jurgen Klopp's final season at the club, winning the Carabao Cup. However, they faltered towards the end of the season in the title race, finishing third in the Premier League, behind Arsenal and Manchester City.

Slot's side have impressed during pre-season, winning all three of their friendlies so far, including wins against Arsenal and Manchester United. Scholes believes they can get even better, telling The Overlap (via Rousing the Kop):

“I think Liverpool are alright. I don’t think Liverpool are far off. Okay, the manager is a bit different from Jurgen Klopp but they were up there for quite a bit of last season and they just fell away the last few games. I’d say a holding midfield player away from being a really good team and possibly a centre-back.”

The Reds are yet to sign a player this summer but are reportedly exploring a deal for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, which would help bolster their midfield. It remains to be seen if they sign a new centre-back though after Joel Matip departed the club earlier this summer as a free agent.