LFC: Recreating Suarez' goals

   The departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona was a highly anticipated event and, much to the relief of fans of any other Premier League team, eventually happened for a fee of around £75 million. This of course leaves a massive gap of 31 goals and 12 assists in the Premier League season, of which he missed the opening five games. Of course Liverpool have retained the like of Daniel Sturridge, Coutinho and Raheem Sterling who notched up 35 goals and 19 assists between them and have also added Rickie Lambert to the squad, who finished last season scoring 13 goals and assisting 10 for Southampton last season. However Lambert, who cost Liverpool just £4 million, is thought to be more of a plan B and is in no way a direct replacement for Luis Suarez' direct dribbling game.



   The Reds have not been shy in spending their money from the Suarez deal. Emre Can joined from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of around £8 million, which by all means is a good price for the 20 year old versatile midfielder, who can play in front of the defence and fill in at left back if necessary. Adam Lallana signed from Southampton for £25 million and was joined by Dejan Lovren for £20 million. Lallana had a fantastic season for Southampton and will no doubt recreate some of the assists that Luis Suarez did last season. A very strong dribbler and passer of the ball and a good finisher as well. Dejan Lovren is also a good addition for the weak defence at Liverpool FC, but may not be the required signing for a team hoping to challenge for the title again.
   Liverpool then brought in lively Benfica winger Lazar Markovic who will no doubt play a key part in Rodgers plans this season. He is also only of 20 years of age so another young signing for Liverpool, and will provide a constant threat down the wings with his direct dribbling. Markovic scored 5 goals in 19 starts and 7 substitute appearances for Benfica in the league last season, and also picked up Champions League experience along the way.



   Young Belgian Divock Origi signed for Liverpool after being linked to many clubs after an impressive World Cup in Brazil. The 19 year old striker will be a big player in the future, as indicated by the £10 million fee Liverpool had to fork out to prise him away from LOSC Lille. At present however, Origi has only netted 6 times in 40 games for them, and has this season to add to that with a loan back to Lille. Rodgers also added 20 year old defender Javi Manquillo on loan from Atletico Madrid, adding further depth to the defensive line.
   As of yet, it seems Liverpool may have to rely on Daniel Sturridge to fire the Reds to the top four again, with no proven striker signed yet, however Liverpool are keeping their eye on Wilfried Bony from Swansea, but face direct competition from Tottenham for the striker.
   How do you think Liverpool will do without Suarez and do you believe they will be able to replace his influence on the pitch?