When Luis Suarez departed for Barcelona, it was expected that the Reds will sign another top striker in order to compensate for the Uruguayan’s loss. What can simply be described as a good omen, Liverpool signed Rickie Lambert before Suarez's departure and indicated there are more to come. However what can now be described as running out of luck, the Reds have hired a brigade of midfielders but failed to capitalize on a striker’s deal.
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Luis Suarez won 15 points for Liverpool last season, 5 points behind Sturridge who won 20.
While no one can deny the Sturridge factor that made 20 points for Liverpool, it would be nearly impossible for the reds to replace 31 goals. However, Brendan Rodgers has done well this transfer window to share the burden of scoring goals and with the impressive form shown by Liverpool youngsters Suso and Raheem Sterling in the pre-season, it can be said that Rodgers’ policy of hiring youngsters and reaping the benefits of loan spells is gathering momentum for Liverpool.
Suarez and Sturridge scored 52 goals last season.
If you look at the strongest Liverpool attacks from history, there has always been a bouquet of strikers up-front. From Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush who won three trebles for reds in the 80’s to Roger Hunt and John Toshack who scored a combined 404 goals for the reds and many alike partnerships, Liverpool have always been great when their midfielders have been met by two prolific strikers up-front. So if Liverpool look to their history for inspiration, they should also look there to get the recipe of success which is playing two prolific strikers up-front.
Liverpool played 14 matches last season with SAS playing together, they scored 40 goals in the process with 10 wins.
Without the front two of Suarez and Sturridge formation, Liverpool winning percentage last season was nearly 67% and they managed 2.54 goals per game which is a pretty decent tally looking at the depth in their squad or lack of it last season. However, in the matches where Suarez and Sturridge played together, Liverpool’s winning percentage was 71% and they managed 2.85 goals per game. Hugely Impressive!
With Suarez and Sturridge up-front: 2.85 goals/game. Without Suarez and Sturridge up-front: 2.54 goals/game
Conclusion:
As they say history always repeats itself, it has been true in the case of Liverpool striker partnerships. So even if Fabio Borini refuses to leave Liverpool and with Rickie Lambert boyhood dream coming alive, Liverpool should be more practical and should add a final striker piece into their jigsaw puzzle to be amongst the top 4 again next season.
Amir Bashir follow him on Twitter.
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