Jurgen Klopp doesn’t want to use Daniel Sturridge as a starter and hasn’t since the beginning of the season. When the Englishman was given a chance during January, he sadly didn’t take it – and it doesn’t look like he’ll be around come the summer. He deserves first-team football and we hope he starts enjoying his game again elsewhere, but in not too long – we’ll need to consider our replacement options.
None of these players have been linked, necessarily, and we’re not suggesting they’re targets – but have attributes that suit Klopp’s pressing, dynamic style.
Let us know which of these you’d take an Anfield, and if you think our suggestions are stupid!
Alex Lacazette – Lyon
Pace and goals aplenty; what Sturridge used to provide in bucketloads, actually. This term he’s on 23, the same number he bagged in 2015/16. The season previous he reached 31. At 25, Lacazette is at his peak and would cost a hefty sum, but his speed and threat in behind would make him a wonderful option for Klopp’s frontline. The Frenchman peals wide and used to play as a winger, much like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, so is by no means a static, one-dimensional centre-forward.
Alassane Plea – Nice
Many won’t have heard of this guy, but we like him. The Frenchman is 23-years-old and has 11 Ligue 1 goals this term, playing a variety of positions across the frontline. He’s quick (a necessity for every player bar one in this list) and makes really clever runs. He also has an eye for the extraordinary, bagging two spectacular goals this term. He’d be the cheapest player on this list by far and the kind of unexpected transfer Klopp makes a habit of. There’s no link, but he ticks many boxes.
Timo Werner – RedBull Leipzig
Werner is German, so Klopp will already know plenty about him from his time with Dortmund. As a centre-forward, the 20-year-old has 11 goals in 22 starts this campaign, registering two assists as well. He dribbles and is excellent on the counter-attack, a trait Klopp loves. We’re already targeting Julian Brandt this summer, but Werner is more of a recognised striker and scores more goals. He looks a very exciting prospect and will be targeted by some big clubs come the end of the season.
Kylian Mbappe – Monaco
Much like when Borussia Dortmund courted and signed a teenage Ousmane Dembele from Rennes, the whole of Europe are paying attention to this 18-year-old. He currently comes off the bench for Falcao for Monaco and already has 11 goals and five assists in all competitions. He’s lightning and has bags of skill. Potential wise, he’s one of the most exciting strikers in Europe today. Mbappe would cost a fortune, much like Anthony Martial did for Manchester United – but Mbappe actually seems the better of the two. His age and high ceiling means Klopp could work wonders with him.
Thomas Muller – Bayern Munich
Yes it’s a dream and the most ambitious name in this list by an absolute country mile… But stranger things have happened. The brilliant German has had a shocker of a season under Carlo Ancelotti and is a bench option for the Italian, having scored just one Bundesliga goal all campaign. His character is feisty, opinionated and his ego big (although he does come across as a fantastic guy), meaning he won’t accept a sub role forever. There’d be endless suitors, but Jurgen Klopp would be a big pull and of the big English teams, we’re in most need of a striker. Stylistically, he’d suit Klopp perfectly due to his work-rate and ability to pick up strange, unorthodox positions. Here’s hoping, anyway!