Help! Nando Needs Somebody, Help!

Since the arrival of El Nino in 2007, many Liverpool fans have had one question on their mind- should Nando get injured (which as we all know has happened much more than we ever expected) who would try & fill the void?

Under Rafa, Torres was largely used as a lone front-man, leading the line with great success, Occasionally he was partnered by the likes of Crouch, Keane and Voronin to name but a few.  None of the aforementioned players really could be described as being a huge success at Anfield, perhaps only Peter Crouch would beg to differ.

A Tall Order

The towering Crouch managed roughly 41 goals in just over 130 games for the Reds – and was actually the club’s top goal scorer in season 06/07 with a final tally of 18.  Seemingly on the periphery of the starting XI at Spurs, it has been widely reported that the big man may be in line for a return to Merseyside, a move that we are led to believe that the player would welcome.  However his rather inflated valuation will probably mean our near neighbours across Stanley Park are more likely to do this piece of business.  Would Kopites welcome the return of the Robotic one with figures of 129 goals from just over 400 games?

Cole to light red’s fire?

Another striker linked with lightening the load of our No. 9 is Chelsea old boy Cartlon Cole.  Despite Upton Park’s owners, Messrs Gold & Sullivan stating no big names would be leaving the East London club, a bid in the region of £12-15 million may have them back tracking at an alarming rate!  Cole was widely tipped to be a massive success when he arrived on the scene in 2002, but with exception of West Ham, he hasn’t really lived up to the billing that Mr Ranieri gave him.  A strong player, good in the air and on the fringes of England selection – red’s boss Hodgson may be tempted to bid for a player three years younger than Crouch.

Best not mention the putter.

Another former red apparently being frozen out by his current employers is Craig Bellamy.  One could argue that the self confessed liverpool fan was never given a fair crack at Anfield under Rafa. Seven goals in 27 appearances is not prolific, but as he showed for Man City, his pace and trickery have been harnessed well,well that was until the arrival of Roberto Mancini.  Now 31, the fiery Welshman may relish the opportunity to have a second spell at Anfield, and may be available at a more reasonable price than Crouch and Cole.

Worth a Go?

Having arrived from Paris Saint Germain in 2008 David Ngog has been trying to win over the hearts and minds of many fans. Yes he did score against our biggest enemy and early season has helped us progress to our next Europa League adventure, but can the young Frenchman step into Fernando’s boots?  14 goals in 58 games would suggest that Ngog is not quite ready to carry all on his shoulders as yet.

Lets not forget that Ryan Babel is still at the club as well though. I can hear groans already, but this explosive Dutch star could perhaps play up front which would allow him to be more involved throughout the game.  Flashes of absolute brilliance continue to punctuate his Anfield career, none more so that his stunning solo effort against Lyon in our ill fated Champions League campaign last season.

Roy’s Call

As the closing of the transfer window gets ever nearer, and a quick resolution to the ownership situation unlikely, the boss needs to decide how we help Torres.  It could be that we make do until January, when a new window opens and new deserving owners help further strengthen our squad.

Follow us on twitter @live4Liverpool

Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at editor@live4liverpool.com