By Neale Denaro
So the big buzz this morning is Gonzalo Higuain’s ‘come and get me’ plea to join Klopp’s Liverpool revolution.
Sorry Gonzalo, but I don’t think Liverpool will be buying an out-and-out striker this summer.
Klopp’s most-used formation during the 2015/16 season was 4-2-3-1 – with just one striker in front of an attacking three. Currently, Liverpool have Sturridge, Origi, Ings, Benteke and even Firmino who can all play in that striker position (I’m assuming Balotelli will be saying arrivederci by the time next season kicks off).
With no European football next season, both Sturridge and Benteke would have to leave to make bringing in an expensive striker like Higuain worthwhile, otherwise a £150k a week player would be left sitting on the bench. Which is not FSG’s style.
Instead, I see Klopp buying someone who can play in the three behind the striker, because that’s where Liverpool’s goal output can be improved. Coutinho, Firmino, plus another goalscorer is a tasty prospect.
Of course the question mark in all this is Sturridge’s fitness. Because if Benteke is sold and Sturridge has another long lay off, Origi will be relied on as the main striker. So Liverpool buying someone who could play as a no.9 too would be ideal. Alex Teixeira was the perfect player in that respect. Fancy cutting your Chinese adventure short, Alex?