Controversial Inter Milan striker included…
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Judging by last season’s results, and the beginning of the 2014/15 campaign, Liverpool perform better when fielding a midfield diamond with two forwards up top.
In their past two fixtures against Aston Villa and Ludogorets, the 4-3-3 hasn’t worked, and Brendan Rodgers has in fact reverted to the diamond in the second half, despite not currently having great striker options because of Daniel Sturridge’s injury…
This means that once Sturridge returns to fitness, he is surely expected to form a dynamic partnership with Mario Balotelli up front, but in Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini – the Reds have poor backup and rotation options.
Borini has a poor touch, and although he works hard, he isn’t especially quick, while Lambert’s technical ability doesn’t make up for his immobility.
The Reds need quick strikers who offer an option behind the defence, and should target one of these five in the January transfer window as backup options for Balotelli and Sturridge.
5) Alexandre Lacazette – Lyon
The forward is young, quick and hungry – and bagged 15 goals in Ligue 1 last term. He can work the channels, and is happy to drift wide and take players on.
4) Seydou Doumbia – CSKA Moscow
The Ivorian forward scores goals for fun in Russia, notching 26 in 20 starts last term. It’s high time he was given the chance to test his mettle in an elite league.
3) Keita Balde Diao – Lazio
Liverpool were linked with the Senegalese born Spaniard in the summer, but Lazio’s asking price was too high. He’s young, ferociously talented, and would be happy to play a supporting role at first – keen to learn from Balotelli and Sturridge.
2) Mauro Icardi – Inter Milan
Controversial but exciting forward, Icardi is young, can finish, and has started this season excellently for the Italians. Having him and Balotelli in the same squad could do more harm than good, however.
1) Andre Pierre-Gignac – Marseille
Another Frenchman in his peak, Gignac has four goals this season, and loves to find space in the opposition box, using his trickery to get shots on goal from either boot.
