Clinical Striker Needed For Reds

With January approaching fast and the re-opening of that winter transfer window once again the focus is on Liverpool and where I believe they need to strengthen if they are to achieve a top four place at the end of the season.

It's been just under a year since Kenny Dalglish sold Fernando Torres to Chelsea and at the same time bringing in Luis Suarez from Ajax along with Newcastle striker Andy Carroll.

Luis Cannon: The fiery Suarez hasn't been clinical

However, the partnership between the two hasn't really clicked, Carroll has been injured for most of his Liverpool career only playing 13 games since he arrived on Merseyside and although Suarez has shone, only has five goals to his name so far this season and doesn't look as if he is the 20 goal a season striker Liverpool need to break into the top four.

Everywhere else on the pitch they look solid; the backline Dalglish has the luxury of attacking full backs in Glen Johnson and another former Newcastle player, left back, Jose Enrique as well as picking two out of Martin Skrtel, Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger.  With Pepe Reina between the sticks as well who I believe to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

In midfield there are a host of options for the Scousers; summer signing Jordan Henderson, work-horse Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing, captain Steven Gerrard and a re-vitalised Lucas when fit fighting for places.  At this present time though, Lucas is out for the season and he will be a big miss for the club (Never EVER thought I would write/say that!)

Lucas is starting to prove his worth

The Reds have only scored more than two league goals once this season (At home to lowly Bolton) showing their lack of fire-power and the clubs in-ability to beat the so called lesser sides such as Norwich City (1-1) and Swansea (0-0) with both results occurring at Anfield.

Its not as if Dalglish has a lack of funds, unlike city rivals Everton.  With John W. Henry taking over the reigns from Tom Hicks and George Gillett last year and promising to trust Dalglish with his cash, the gaffer duly went out and signed Adam from Blackpool (£7m), Henderson from Sunderland (£20m), Downing from Aston Villa (£18m), Sebastian Coates from Uruguayan club Nacional (£7m) and Enrique for (£6m) as well as signing 'keeper Doni and Bellamy on free transfers.

Downing hasn't done the business so far

So, here we are, coming up to late December, almost half way through the 2011-2012 Premier League season and Liverpool are currently in 6th place along with only scoring 18 in 15 games.  I feel that Liverpool NEED top 4 and Champions League football if they are to attract the top quality players.

My message to Kenny - GET A STRIKER IN!

Someone like a Karim Benzema, Edinson Cavani, Mario Gomez, Fernando Torres and, if they get Carlos Tevez, maybe AC Milan will be interested in flogging Alexandre Pato. Dalglish take note!

Pato: Knows where the net is