With Fernando Torres, Liverpool number nine in form at the moment, it’s likely the Reds top scorer will find himself playing plenty of football at this summer’s Euro 2008. Now that might be good for Spain, but is it good for Liverpool?
The club don’t want a tired or possibly injured Torres slowing down the start of next season’s campaign. Let’s hope Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has persuaded Tom Hicks and Co to cough up a bit of cash to purchase another top class striker. If not, the red half of Merseyside could find themselves with a very blunt set of strikers come August.
With Peter Crouch expected to move on and Andriy Veronin hopefully on his way too after firing blanks all season, it’s obvious Rafa needs a top-draw striker to cover Torres. At least, if the club has any hope of challenging United or Chelsea who are both expected to improve their squads this summer.
United have a potent set of attacking players, what with the likes of Tevez, Ronaldo, Nani and Rooney. And expect Sir Alex to add a new name to that list. To challenge the momentum that’s building at Man U, Liverpool need to dig deep into the coffers (Yes, Mr Hicks, that means you if you’re listening!) to bring in new striking talent to keep the quest for that elusive Premiership title on track.
David Villa might be nice, but it’s unlikely the Spanish ace would be prepared to play second fiddle to Torres, given Benitez’s preference for 4-5-1. Dutch striker Huntelaar might also tempt Benitez given his penchant for hard-working Dutchmen, although it remains to be seen whether the lad can cut it at the top level.
Another option might be to move Ryan Babel up a notch. The Dutchman with the occasional silky skills has done well in his first season at Anfield. Expected to feature for Holland at Euro 2008, the experience against Europe’s finest might be all he needs to set the premiership alight. Then again, probably not.
Personally, I’d like to see Zlatan Ibrahimovic make a move to the Premiership. He’s at the peak of his game, big enough to cause defenders trouble and capable of moments of outstanding sublime football.
I don’t really see it happening though. Rafa doesn’t go for prima donnas. Ask Djibril Cissé.
Who do you want to see partnering Torres come August?