John Barnes believes Liverpool need to sign a recognised goalscorer this summer as Mohamed Salah will struggle to repeat his incredible goalscoring form.
The former Reds player spoke about the club still needing to recruit a few more players this summer and pointed to the fact that Jurgen Klopp’s side currently lack a proper No.9.
Barnes praised Salah for being able to score 44 goals in 52 appearances in his 2017/18 campaign but suggested he’d struggle to deliver as many goals next season due to not being an out and out striker.
“I know Salah did incredibly well to score 44 goals but he’ll struggle to repeat last season and he’s not an out and out striker,” Barnes told the Liverpool Echo.
“I think Liverpool need a recognised goalscorer.
“Obviously Roberto Firmino is playing in there but he isn’t a No.9.
“They need a proper goalscoring No.9 to play through the middle and provide a different option.”
OPINION
Everyone is going to doubt Salah’s ability to shower in goals once again until he proves them wrong. Tottenham’s Harry Kane previously had to put up with being referred to as a one-season wonder but has since had pundits falling over themselves as he continues to score on a regular basis for club and country. Salah could prove to be the same even though the Reds’ star man is a winger not a traditional No.9. While Barnes may have a point about the club lacking a traditional forward option, it hasn’t stopped Klopp’s side from racking up the goals. While it would be nice for the Reds to bolster their already blistering hot firepower, it probably shouldn’t be a priority. The Reds need to focus on their hunt for a goalkeeper, which is hopefully still ongoing, as that is the only area that is an obvious weakness at the moment. If the right no.9 becomes available then the Reds should by all means go for it, but they don’t have to break into sweat if a new attacker isn’t recruited in this window.
