Liverpool FC: 6 Prolific Strikers Who'd Fit the Bill at Anfield

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Liverpool need a striker—it's that simple.

Andy Carroll hasn't done it, and while I believe he should be given the rest of the season to find some form, it might be time to hit the market this summer.

Luis Suarez is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the Premier League, but it seems like he's hit the woodwork more often than he's scored.

Liverpool need an out-and-out goal scorer for next season. Here are six players who, should Kenny Dalglish look to sign them, would flourish at Anfield.

These players aren't necessarily linked to the club, but after careful consideration, they would fit the bill at Anfield.

Roberto Soldado

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Roberto Soldado has had another consistent goalscoring season.

Valencia currently sit in third and with UEFA Champions League football potentially on the horizon, Soldado might be considered mad to leave for Liverpool.

The race for third in La Liga is very tight though, and should Valencia miss out, Soldado might fancy his chances in the Premier League if a club came looking.

He's got 16 goals from 26 appearances in the league, and picked up five during the Champions League group stages.

Verdict: There is no link to Soldado for Liverpool, I just think he'd fit the bill. The last time Liverpool had a Spaniard up front, they nearly won the league...

Demba Ba

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Demba Ba was linked to Liverpool back in January. It was reported he may well have a release clause that belies his actual value.

Newcastle are on course to finish above Liverpool but ultimately, that doesn't count for too much at this stage.

The Senegalese striker has certainly shown his pedigree and scoring talents in the Premier League. He impressed when arriving with West Ham initially, and continued that form with the Magpies.

He's bagged 16 Premier League goals so far, and is odds-on to break that magical 20 mark.

Verdict: If the release clause rumours are true, he's very attainable and Alan Pardew would have to offer him mega-bucks to keep him.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was Gabon's shining light during the recent African Cup of Nations.

He was in Allan Jiang's Team of the Tournament, and deservedly so—the Gabonese is agile, tricky and versatile.

He plies his trade for Saint-Etienne in Ligue 1—a division he's netted 11 goals and four assists in this season.

He's only 22 and has the world at his feet.

Verdict: The AFCON raised his profile considerably and likely doubled his price, but he wouldn't cost more than £15 million.

Peter Odemwingie

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Peter Odemwingie is a dangerous player who troubles the best defences on his day.

He's bagged nine so far this season, including a hat-trick against local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.

His overall record throughout his time at the Baggies has been very good, averaging just under one-in-two, and represented a fantasy football steal last season.

He's a little bit selfish, but with outrageously selfless Luis Suarez already in the team, wouldn't that be a welcome trait?

Verdict: Most certainly one Liverpool could pull off. He's proven but he's not world class. Careful on the pennies.

Fernando Llorente

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Unfortunately for Athletic Bilbao, their fixture-heavy season has caught up with them.

They're up for the Copa del Rey final and into the latter stages of the UEFA Europa League, but sitting in 11th place means there's no whiff of Champions League football at the San Mames next season.

That puts the clubs on par in terms of competitions and Fernando Llorente, whilst likely costing as much as Liverpool's current target man did, is pretty much Andy Carroll version 2.0.

We all know what he's capable of, and he'd walk into most sides in the world.

Verdict: Highly unlikely but worth a shot. Athletic's Cantera policy means their players are incredibly hard to poach. 

Junior Hoilett

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Lastly, not so much an out-and-out striker but a quality inside forward.

Junior Hoilett features as one my top 30 Bosman free transfers available this summer, and one lucky Premier League club is certain to take him on-board. 

The Canadian international has shown his ability to deliver a quality ball or shoot from outside the box.

Liverpool's goal count from outside the box has dipped significantly since losing Fernando Torres, and Xabi Alonso and Hoilett could rekindle this threat.

Verdict: It's all about who will pay him the most. Tottenham will head into the summer as the obvious favourites to sign him, but it really is all about the money when it comes to free transfer signings.

 

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