An ongoing debate which has left fans split, do Liverpool need to buy a world class striker this summer? Reports from various respected journalists have concluded that a deal for a new goal scorer is very unlikely, and that Jurgen Klopp is happy with his current options, but have Liverpool missed out on an opportunity by choosing not to pursue a deal for a new number 9?
Our first choice striker is Roberto Firmino who after another slightly inconsistent season has left some fans with doubts over his ability. On his day, he is unplayable. The way he creates space for his teammates is fantastic, as is his work rate, constant pressing and incredible first touch. Bobby is a fantastic player and in my opinion, worthy of the iconic number 9 shirt. However, like stated earlier, he can be very inconsistent. Physically, he can struggle against some of the tough defenders the Premier League is blessed to have, and his finishing is inconsistent too.
His finishing is what lets him down, not having the natural goal scoring instinct that some of the best attackers in the league have causes Firmino to go quiet in some games. Liverpool were the only team in the top five to not have a striker get 20+ goals a season, which suggests that we do lack a focal point up top.
Despite all of this, Firmino is vital to the way we play, he starts the pressing game from the very front of the pitch, and is a true exponent of the way Klopp wants to play.
Liverpool finished as the league’s fourth top goal scorers, which shows attacking wise we are a very good team who can generate goals from all over the pitch, which relieves some of the pressure for our striker to score all the goals. He still notched up a decent 11 goals and 7 assists, which is good, but allows some room for improvement.
As well as Firmino, we also have Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Danny Ings and now Dominic Solanke all battling for one position. However, Ings is still injured and Solanke is expected to continue with the u23’s. With the first three players battling for the striker positions, competition will be fierce and the depth of the squad looks healthy, which is vital for any successful side.
Despite the likes of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Andre Lacazette being available, I think the striker position should be low down on the list of transfer priorities. I personally believe all of our three main choices for striker are capable of slotting 20+ goals given the chance. With Origi and Firmino capable of progressing further in their careers, and Sturridge slowly overcoming his injury his injury problems, there should be enough quality already in the squad in this area.
