Why Liverpool must beat Everton to this Champions League winning striker

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Many Reds fans have expressed their disappointment at reports linking the club to Samuel Eto’o – but he would be perfect for the Anfield side.

When Liverpool pulled the plug on their bid to sign Loic Remy at the last minute, a degree of panic broke out among fans.

In Daniel Sturridge, the Reds undoubtedly have one of Europe’s finest marksmen. Beyond that, however, many have questioned where the sale of Luis Suarez has really left Liverpool’s front line.

Doubts over Rickie Lambert have been cast – albeit very prematurely – and Fabio Borini still looks as though the best possible move for him would be to leave Merseyside.

But potential recruitments have looked thin on the ground. Brendan Rodgers’ interest in Wilfried Bony has seemingly cooled, while – Remy aside – no one good enough appears available.

A solution, though, has presented itself in the last few days, and yet the panic has continued. Why?

As Opta stats show, Samuel Eto’o scored nine Premier League goals for Chelsea last season in 1,306 minutes of football. That’s the same amount as Raheem Sterling after 2,218 minutes – and more than any other Liverpool or Chelsea player except Eden Hazard, Steven Gerrard and the aforementioned Suarez.

According to reports, he is the man Rodgers has turned to to fill the last real hole in Liverpool’s squad. The move, however, has been met by plenty of criticism from fans – yet the Cameroonian is the perfect man to provide backup for Sturridge.

Not only is the 33-year-old available on a free transfer, he is vastly experienced in the Champions League – being a three-time winner – and has now had a season of Premier League football under his belt.

Eto’o’s biggest drawback is his age and fitness, though that won’t be a major concern for Rodgers if the striker is used correctly as a squad player. With Sturridge in Liverpool’s starting XI, the Reds are more than good enough not to sign another striker. What they need is a replacement in case Sturridge becomes unavailable for selection. Eto’o is the right man for that job.

His wages may be high, of course, but that will be offset by the lack of a transfer fee, while the Cameroonian proved himself capable of scoring both in the Champions League and domestically last term.

A twist presents itself, however, in that Everton have now been linked with a move for the 33-year-old, who would prove a real coup for the club if he is stolen from under Liverpool’s noses.

Contrary to majority opinion, it is imperative Rodgers makes sure that doesn’t happen. A Champions League winning striker signed for free to provide cover in a squad already brimming with talent? That sounds like a winning formula to me.