This summer, Liverpool have already made additions to the squad before the transfer window has even officially opened.
With strength added to the defence, midfield and keeping departments, Jurgen Klopp is still on the lookout for potential new players to add to his squad.
However, one position which shows little sign of change, unless outgoings occur, is that of the striker.
In the league, Liverpool amassed 63 goals throughout the 2015/16 campaign, with 25 of those coming from their strike force; a figure less than what a certain previous player managed to achieve just a few years ago.
So what do Liverpool need?
Is it faces of new or old?
Here, I will be evaluating all potential scenarios; analyzing the strikers in the current squad as well as one potential, exterior candidate.
Daniel Sturridge
Signed in 2013, Daniel Sturridge has enjoyed a mixed career whilst at Anfield. A return of 53 goals from 92 appearances has outlined him as the Reds’ main striker as well as one of the key players in the squad.
However, his time at Liverpool has been plagued with injuries, he made just 12 appearances in the league in the 2014/15 season.
His frustrations on the pitch have been matched by the fans, with some advocating the idea of cashing in on Daniel whilst he is still an above average player.
Fortunately, though, Klopp’s new fitness regime for Sturridge (implemented towards the end of the season) is seemingly working, with no aggregation of his previous injury, a situation which Reds fans are not strangers to!
For me, Sturridge is the best striker in the league when he isn’t injured. He proved his quality in ‘that’ season and again towards the end of Klopp’s introduction to Anfield (see the Europa League Final). He is the likeliest to lead the line, showing the quality the Liverpool fans have grown to love whilst even silencing his loudest of critics. If Sturridge was to showcase his natural class at the Euros, it will be Liverpool fighting to keep hold of him instead of fans calling for his sale.
Christian Benteke
When Liverpool signed the Belgian international last summer, excitement was in the air. Finally, a proven, big name striker had been signed after the sale of Luis Suarez.
Before he joined, Christian Benteke had produced a goal every other game with a side that – year in, year out- had become dogged in a relegation struggle. This was our man!
We said bye-bye to Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert was long gone at this point. We were ready for the Premier League!
Unfortunately, this Belgium international wasn’t.
The expectations for Benteke to succeed were very high, but, under the passing system that Rodgers implemented, he was only destined for an average return of just nine goals. Benteke poor return isn’t entirely his fault; with moments of brilliance amongst these goals, particularly the overhead kick at Old Trafford.
Anyway, Benteke started off life at Anfield very well, with fans crediting the lack of goals to the lack of creativity. After Klopp’s appointment, the turn of the new year and Roberto Firmino finding his feet, supporters grew tired of Benteke’s resulting, lacklustre performances.
Many fans are eager to cash in on him and recoup some of the hefty £32.5million the club paid for him. Although I don’t view him as a starter, he is a good option to have. However, a £32.5 million player shouldn’t be just an option, but the first name on the team sheet. In my opinion, Benteke Out.
Divock Origi
The youngest of Liverpool strikers, Divock has shown a tremendous amount of potential and versatility since joining the Reds. Still only 21 years of age, Origi has represented his country at two major tournaments already.
He first burst onto the scene when he was selected ahead of fellow teammate Benteke as well as the talented Romelu Lukaku at the 2014 World Cup. Liverpool signed him for £10million from Lille following his performances and he joined the Reds after a season-long loan at his former club
Able to play upfront or as a winger, Divock has shown he can provide goals as well as score them. One of his best traits is his adaptability; automatically implementing Klopp’s style of play in his maiden game at White Hart Lane.
Origi is a player who is full of determination and confidence and had the ability to be a world-class striker, given the right mentoring. Liverpool fans were able to recognize his talent last year, but if he is still able to get game time this year, he will definitely be able to push for a consistent starting place.
Danny Ings
During Brendan Rodgers final games as Liverpool manager, Danny Ings was a redeeming factor amongst the substandard results. With his fee still to be determined via tribunal, Danny Ings was signed on a Bosman transfer following Burnley’s relegation to the second tier.
A player who, like Origi, never gives up when playing, has shown that he has the ability to play in a red shirt and is able to take his chance when called upon. Ings boasts a style of play similar to Sturridge and, at such a young age, still has time to progress. Able to use his right foot, left foot, track back, press and score, these are traits that he continuously displayed at Burnley and briefly demonstrated at Liverpool. If it wasn’t for the injury that nearly ended his season, Liverpool would’ve finished in a much better position in all competitions. The best is yet to come from Danny Ings and given time, his chances will be more than worth the wait.
Mauro Icardi
If there is one striker in European football at the moment that Liverpool could use, nature and solidify their attack with, it’s Mauro Icardi. At the age of 23, his career at Inter has been marred by their fall from the top of club football. The days of Mourinho’s football domination in Italy are gone and a torrid time has ensured for the Nerazzurri faithful.
Fortunately, though, Icardi has blossomed since signing in 2013. He has become one of the top strikers in the Serie A. However, a move to Liverpool will move him to the biggest league in the world. The creative qualities of Phillipe Coutinho , Firmino and a potential, top midfielder being signed will help him break into the very crowded Argentinian squad.
Boasting just one cap, Icardi was narrowly left out of the 2016 Copa America squad in favour of bigger, more proven names. This is the player Liverpool need. A stranger to injury but no stranger to goals, Icardi is able to play in a variety of attacking positions as well as in a variety of systems.
For Icardi to head a Liverpool attack would be to reinstate their intent to challenge. He isn’t the fastest and isn’t the strongest but he is definitely a striker who is able to finish, similar in the mould of Luis Suarez.
