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“Missing a trick”- Ex-England striker gives verdict on Liverpool not signing a striker in the summer transfer window

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By Rijo Sam Daniel

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey analyses the Reds’ Premier League title chances

Talking on the Early Doors Podcast (h/t Liverpool Echo), former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has weighed up the club’s chances to win the Premier League title this season.

Having had a great start to the season, Liverpool sits just behind Chelsea in the Premier League title race while also leading their Champions League group. Jurgen Klopp’s side would be looking to improve on their disappointing campaign from last season.

Speaking on the issue, Heskey has identified a weakness in the Liverpool squad by comparing their transfer dealings to their title challengers. He says:

“Looking at Lukaku going to Chelsea, Manchester United signing Ronaldo, I just think Liverpool could be missing a trick”.

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey analyses the Reds' Premier League title chances
Emile Heskey while playing for the Reds (Getty Images)

Assessing the Liverpool squad

Liverpool made just one major signing during the summer transfer window when they brought in Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig. Heskey believes that the Merseyside club should have made more signings to bolster their squad.

The English giants barely made it into the top four thanks to their form towards the end of the season. A series of injuries derailed their chances of winning any silverware and it resulted in a rather underwhelming season.

Looking at what happened last season, Heskey was asked whether there was any position where he would have brought someone in. He believes a prolific goalscorer could have helped turn the tide in the reds favour.

“A centre-forward, someone who is going to get you 20 goals plus per season and is going to be commanding in the middle as well”.

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey analyses the Reds' Premier League title chances
Emile Heskey talks about his days at Liverpool. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

A missed opportunity?

“We know that Salah is going to get you 20 plus, we know that Mane is going to get you 15 plus but do we know that Firmino is going to get you 15 plus? We need someone who is going to get you 20/25 plus”.

While Heskey rates Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota, he does genuinely appear to be concerned about the lack of depth in the front line. Given that Divock Origi is next in line, one can see his point.

While Firmino adds a different dynamic to the frontline, it is also important for a striker to score goals. Jota is a fine option but the lack of depth in the forward line causes real concern should injuries plague them yet again.

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey analyses the Reds' Premier League title chances
Roberto Firmino celebrates his goal making it 2-0 during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Liverpool. (imago Images)

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Heskey has made 223 appearances and scored 60 goals for the Merseyside club between 2000-04. While he may not have won the Premier League with the Reds, he played a key role in their cup treble in the 2000/01 season.