Liverpool FC: 5 Strikers to Help Solve the Reds' Goal-Scoring Crisis

Liverpool need an elite goal scorer. They need a goal poacher, someone to finish off the chances provided by Luis Suarez and the midfielders. It is without a doubt the biggest hole in the team.

With their 14 goals against them throughout 18 games, Liverpool have had the best defense in the league in the young season. With their 21 goals scored, the attack has been average at best. With Luis Suarez's suspension beckoning, the need for offensive help has become even more dire.

Changes are coming in the Anfield attack. Improvements will be made in January, as manager Kenny Dalglish will add reinforcements. Here are five names that we should all hope the management team at Liverpool are taking long looks at as potential January signings.

5. Marco Reus, Borussia Monchengladbach

Europe's answer to Neymar, Marco Reus is the top young attacking player on the continent. At 22, he is establishing himself as one of the better forwards in the Bundesliga, and he could well find himself being an important part of a young German team at the Euros next summer.

Reus plays best in an attacking midfield or forward role. His acquisition would allow Suarez to push up the field and become more of a striker for the club, the player depended on for goals. Reus has scored 11 goals through his 16 games this season, and is only improving.

In a few years time, he could be one of the world's elite, and it might be a good idea for Liverpool to snap him up now.

4. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City

Carlos Tevez is on his way out at the Etihad Stadium after a bad fallout with manager Roberto Mancini, but despite his troubles, the 27-year-old remains a great striker. Though the Argentine may be a little out of practice, Liverpool would be very lucky to have him at the bargain price he would likely arrive for.

In 212 Premier League appearances, Tevez has scored 93 goals, emerging as one of the world's premier attacking players. Last season, he scored 23 goals in 39 games as City's captain, leading his team to a third-place finish.

Tevez would add more South American flair to the Liverpool attack. He is the kind of player that makes those around him better, and with the likes of Luis Suarez already in the Liverpool side, that thought is frightening.

3. Lukas Podolski, FC Köln

One of Europe's most respected players, Lukas Podolski has been around at the top level for a long time, and has been producing at the top level for a long time.

Through 18 games of the 2011-12 season, the German attacker already has 14 goals. 

Podolski plays a game that would fit in well at Anfield, and his versatility as an attacking player would make him a great option for Kenny Dalglish and his team. The 26-year-old has been chased by Liverpool for a while, and it wouldn't be surprising to see them finally make a move to secure his signature in January.

2. Fernando Torres, Chelsea

Fernando Torres has struggled at Chelsea since completing his £50 million transfer to Stamford Bridge last January. Through 37 games with the London club, he has scored just five goals.

Reports have emerged that Chelsea might be willing to sell Torres for a cut price of £20 million just a year after they brought him in. Inevitably, Liverpool were immediately linked. Though the move seems unlikely at best, it might be a smart one if you're Kenny Dalglish.

Torres has a phenomenal goal-scoring record at Liverpool. With 81 goals through 142 appearances, Torres is one of the most prolific goal scorers in club history, and there is no reason why he wouldn't regain that form given the opportunity to return to Anfield.  

1. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, FC Schalke 04

If you're looking for a goalpoacher, which Kenny Dalglish should be, you would be hard pressed to find a better option than Schalke's Dutch international Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. A natural goalscorer, Huntelaar has made his name as a player who finishes the chances given to him. With Suarez's ability to provide those chances, the two could create a deadly partnership.

Through 26 games of the 2011-12 season, Huntelaar has scored 26 goals. Schalke play a similar system to that at Anfield, and he would likely have a relatively seamless transition to the English game. 

The 28-year-old has emerged as one of Europe's premier goal scorers in recent seasons. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could be the key to unlocking Liverpool's sky-high potential.

Follow Jake Ware on Twitter at @JacobWare95