LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 26, 2012: Liverpool's Luis Alberto Suarez Diaz in action against Manchester City during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Replacing the Irreplaceable: 5 Forward Options for Liverpool

Luis Suarez is on the verge of signing for Barcelona – a somewhat irreplaceable player, but Liverpool must move on and seek to fill the void in the squad.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 26, 2012: Liverpool's Luis Alberto Suarez Diaz in action against Manchester City during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 

Luis Suarez’s imminent exit from Anfield is clearly a blow to the club. As a footballer they are losing arguably the most talented player ever to wear a Reds shirt.

The 27-year-old is irreplaceable, in my opinion. Last season he scored 31 Premier League goals, created 13 others and cleaned up at all of the end-of-season awards ceremonies.

While Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez is seemingly the first-choice replacement for Suarez, it’s unclear at the moment whether the Chilean will be part of the deal that takes the Uruguayan to Camp Nou.

While Brendan Rodgers appears keen to sign wide attackers, such as Lazar Markovic, he is likely going to want to strengthen the central role too, competing with Daniel Sturridge.

Here are five realistic striking options for Liverpool to sign.

JACKSON MARTINEZ

Martinez has been linked with a move to Liverpool numerous times over the last couple of years, and he would be a terrific signing.

The 27-year-old Porto man has enjoyed an impressive World Cup for Colombia so far, scoring twice, and 60 goals in just 91 appearances for Porto outline was a proven goalscorer he is.

Although strictly a centre forward, rather than a versatile attacking player which Brendan Rodgers is fond of, Martinez is in and around his prime, and his style of play is perfectly suited to the Premier League.

WILFRIED BONY

Bony had an extremely impressive first season at Swansea, scoring 25 times in all competitions.

The 25-year-old Ivory Coast international is physically very strong, but unlike some players of that ilk, he is also excellent technically.

Liverpool were linked with a move for Bony recently, and his all-round game would add great quality to the side.

MARIO BALOTELLI

The Express claims Balotelli is rated highly by Rodgers, and that he sees him as a good replacement for Suarez should he join Barcelona as expected.

The 23-year-old is a controversial character, but more importantly he is a very talented footballer. With good pace, quick feet and a strong physical presence, he has everything in his armoury to become a truly world-class striker.

The AC Milan star does lack consistency at the moment, but with age and maturity that will come.

ALVARO MORATA

Morata is a hugely promising striker, scoring nine times for Real Madrid last season. He also has 13 goals in just 12 appearances for Spain’s Under-21 side.

While it is clear los Blancos value the 21-year-old, the fact that Karim Benzema and, potentially, Radamel Falcao will be ahead of him in the pecking order next season will limit his game time significantly.

An offer from the Reds, guaranteeing more first-team opportunities in the process, could turn Morata’s head, and his lethal finishing and strong hold-up play would be a great asset.

KLAAS-JAN HUNTELAAR

The Express report that Liverpool could battle Arsenal for the signature of Huntelaar, and his experience and pedigree in the Champions League would benefit the team a lot.

Although the Dutchman is nearing his 31st birthday, he is not a striker who is dependant on blistering pace, and he still has a good few years in him at the top level.

278 goals in 434 career games speaks for itself, as does 35 in 63 matches for Holland. He doesn’t have the genius of Suarez- not many do- but he guarantees goals wherever he goes.

 

Signing a player such as Sanchez or Markovic plus one of the five named above could cover both the central and wide role in Liverpool’s front three.

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