Despite the fact that Liverpool have scored the joint-most goals so far in this year’s Premier League––a mammoth 18 from only 7 games––it is difficult to pinpoint a truly world class striker in their ranks. While Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane have done most of the scoring, the former is not yet world class and the latter two aren’t strikers.
If God forbid, Roberto Firmino was to be injured, Liverpool would find themselves with no real striking options to turn to (apart from the always injured Daniel Sturridge and the inconsistent Divock Origi). Hence, it becomes an absolute necessity for Jurgen Klopp to look into the market for a striker.
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Finding good strikers for a bargain is harder than finding a reason to play Wayne Rooney in the starting XI, but here are five strikers the German could sign next summer for the Reds.
#1 Alexandre Lacazette
Quick, versatile and explosive, Alexandre Lacazette is the stereotype Jurgen Klopp striker. The German loves playing quick and explosive football and has always preferred a striker with the same skillset to finish off the moves of his team.
The French forward ticks all the boxes and has started his season in a ruthless fashion; scoring six goals in just three league games.
This time last year, the Lyon man had a lot to prove since fitness problems has stunted his development. But a strong comeback shows the strength of his mind. He might cost a fortune for Liverpool, but he could be what Fernando Torres was for them.
#2 Luan
This name would not shock a lot of Liverpool fans, since they have already been linked to the forward. The Brazilian is a striker for Gremio. While some might claim that jumping straight to the Premier League from the Brazilian Serie A would be too much of a risk, Luan’s quality as a forward could perhaps nullify that.
The Brazilian international can play on either side of the wings as well as upfront as the main striker of the support striker. His ball control is mesmerising, and so is his ability to cut defences with passes. His finishing might not yet be as ruthless as some forwards, but he still young and can reach that level.
And who could be a better manager to nurture such raw talent than Jurgen Klopp?
#3 Mario Mandzukic
Mario Mandzukic is somewhat of a curious case. People regard him as a great striker, but if there is a conversation about the best strikers in the world, his name wouldn’t really spring up in the minds of many.
However, make no mistake, he is one of the best forwards around. The Croatian may not be an out-and-out scorer like Aubameyang or Higuain but he offers something else.
Being the towering figure that he is, he provides good assistance to his team-mates. Someone like Roberto Firmino, who likes attacking from the wings, could benefit a lot from his presence inside the box.
As a scorer, he is no muck either. Mandzukic might not yet have opened his account this season, but with history as a witness, it can be opined that he is a goal-per-two-games striker.
#4 Kevin Gameiro
Watching him partner Antoine Griezmann at Atletico Madrid now makes France fans wonder as to what would have happened had Didier Deschamps paired the two up in the final of Euro 2016 against Portugal.
We might never be able to answer that with absolute certainty, but what we do know is that Kevin Gameiro is an excellent forward who is capable of being both the main and the secondary striker in a team.
With such versatility in him, he could take the Reds to another level. A half-chance to score or a space to cut through a piercing pass doesn’t go unnoticed to the Frenchman’s eye. His nimble style of play often confuses defenders about his existence on the pitch.
But he will be there, waiting and ready to pounce whenever he can.
#5 Luciano Vietto
Anfield will love the prospect of watching a youngster budding with talent play for them. Vietto might only be 22 years old, and his face might resemble someone even younger, but he is the baby-faced killer that has been around for quite a while now.
He rocked the scene in La Liga as a 20-year-old, scoring 20 goals in his debut season for Villarreal. Ever since, his career might have been on the decline as the big move to Atletico Madrid came a little quicker than it should have, but he is once again getting back to his groove with Sevilla.
On loan, he has already scored three goals for Sevilla in four La Liga games and he will only get better. Vietto might not end up with many goals, given that he is more of a support striker, but his qualities are an asset for many teams.
Like mentioned earlier in the Mandzukic slide, Firmino would benefit a lot with the Argentine’s presence as the latter superb passing and dribbling undoes many players, opening up space for his partner.
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