Liverpool’s exploits in front of goal this season have been much criticised, and understandably so, with Kenny Dalglish’s men struggling on a weekly basis to covert chances into goals. As we all know goals-win-games, and as a result of their failings, the Reds have dropped points at home to the likes of Swansea, Norwich and Wigan, denting their early season ambitions for a spot in the top four.

Despite boasting a strike-line with a combined value of almost £60 million, chances have gone unconverted all season, leaving the Mersey men with a goal tally of just 43 after 36 games. To put this into perspective 19th placed Blackburn Rovers have netted on 47 occasions, whilst table topping Manchester City have managed over double the Reds tally, with 88. This consistent failure to turn chances into goals has led to calls from fans and pundits alike for Kenny Dalglish to enter the transfer market and secure a new centre forward for next season. Liverpool fan group Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) believe that the club need a lethal finisher to move up to the next level:

“We are lacking in the final third of the pitch. We haven’t created enough shots on target and have hit the woodwork more than 30 times. We need some one who can simply ‘pop the ball in the net’, someone who can just finish.”

Whilst this sentiment remains true, Liverpool arguably possess such a player already in Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has been a real hit since his arrival on Merseyside in January 2010, instantly winning over the fans with his all action displays and breath-taking ability on the ball. Suarez made an instant impact at Anfield, netting on his debut during the club’s 2-0 home victory over Stoke City, before going on to notch a further three goals as Liverpool surged from 12th place to a sixth, narrowly missing out on Europa League football.

However, this season has been far more difficult for the striker, who has had to contend with off-field issues, and a failing Reds unit. Despite this he has taken his tally to 11 in the league, as well as producing some important strikes in the club’s domestic cup successes, including the cooly finished equaliser in the FA Cup semi-final against Everton.

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]

Despite this the Uruguayan’s finishing has been called into question during his first full season in the Premier League, with many believing the striker is not the answer to the club troubles in front of goal. However, last weekend’s hat-trick against Norwich displayed Suarez’s full range of ability in front of goal, as the 25-year-old produced three stunning finishes, including a wonderful 45-yard chip over John Ruddy.

The majority of his efforts this season have failed to find the back of the net, but when you consider the quality of service he has been receiving it’s little wonder. Andy Carroll is showing signs of improvement, but for the majority of the campaign he has been poor, whilst Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson have all disappointed throughout the season. Steven Gerrard’s return has clearly aided the club’s front-line, yet due to injury problems in the squad, the skipper has been deployed in a deeper role, and as a result has been unable to link up with Suarez. Due to these factors, the number seven has had to create openings for himself, which is undoubtedly a difficult job. Although his technique and low centre of gravity allow him to beat his marker frequently, the chances of both making the opening and finding the net are fairly slim.

As his goal record of 81 in 110 for former club Ajax displays, Suarez is extremely able in front of goal, hinting that if he receives the right kind of service, he more often than not, will finish the job. As a result Liverpool may benefit from adding more creativity this summer, in a bid to get the best out of their talented South American. The club have already been linked with his fellow countryman Gaston Ramirez as well as AZ Alkmaar midfielder Rasmus Elm, both of whom are potent in terms of creating chances, hinting at a desire on the part of the Anfield club to aid their struggling front-men.

It’s likely that Liverpool will enter the market for a vast array of players this term, as the Fenway Sports Group look to fund an improvement in the squad. The club need to alter their fortunes in front of goal for next season, but the answer to the issues may be closer to home than they realise.

Is Luis Suarez the answer for Liverpool? Or do they need a top level finisher to compete? Let me know your thoughs by commenting or follow @Alex_Hams on Twitter

Special thanks to @empireofthekop (www.empireofthekop.com/anfield/)

[divider]