Rafa's Dilemma: Krisztian Nemeth or Daniel Pacheco To Step Up?

After the departure of Robbie Keane in January this year, Liverpool only had Fernando Torres for the second half of last season. Due to the heavy fixtures both domestically and in Europe, Rafa Benitez had to use David N'Gog on many occasions.

Despite scoring more goals after the sale of Robbie Keane, many fans still think that Rafa should sign a striker this summer, whether to partner Torres up front or as a back-up striker.

However, some parties believe that Rafa should promote Liverpool's young strikers into the first team rather than splashing cash on a striker, especially when there are more important areas to strengthen.

Andriy Voronin has returned from a season-long loan and doesn't look like going anywhere this summer. His return to Liverpool gives Rafa an additional option up front.

Dutch duo Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt could function in the striking role as well, despite being used mainly on the flanks.

And David N'Gog can only get better.

Rafa is likely to stick to the same formation with one striker. Torres is the obvious choice for starter here and both Kuyt and Voronin are capable of filling the void should Torres gets injured.

However, promoting a young striker or two into the first team is necessary. Why spend money to buy a back-up striker when you can nurture the young talents with high potential?

Krisztian Nemeth and Daniel Pacheco are the two names that are most likely to become first team regulars next season. Both were used by Rafa in Liverpool's first two pre-season games against St. Gallen and Rapid Vienna.

Krisztian Nemeth arrived from MTK Hungaria in summer 2007. The rather small Hungarian striker is a lethal finisher. He has got good touches and movement.

The 20-year-old striker's name was a regular in the reserves for the last couple of seasons and he has been a regular goal scorer at that level. Nemeth also had a brief loan spell in Blackpool. He has also represented Hungary in the U17s and U19s Championships.

Daniel Pacheco also arrived in summer 2007. He is exactly two years younger than Nemeth. His transfer to Liverpool continued the trend of Spanish teenagers leaving Barcelona for the Premier League. Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, and Fran Merida have all left Barcelona for a challenge in the Premiership.

Also a regular for the reserves upon arrival, the small forward has also represented Spain U17s. What Pacheco lacks in height he makes up for his skills and pace, using them to break down stubborn defenders.

Is it time for these young strikers to step up? Or is it wiser to spend money on an established first team striker to bolster the squad in the bid to win the title?