Sunday, 20 July 2014

Loic To Fill Luis' Boots


After Luis Suarez said "Adios" to the Premier League and set off to begin his FIFA-issued Footballing ban with Barcelona, Brendan Rodgers has the unenviable task of finding a prolific goal-scorer.


He may not be one of the World's most renowned strikers, however, Loic Remy looks set for the chance to improve his reputation with an expected move to Liverpool this week. 

Remy now has to thrash out personal terms with The Reds after they met his £8.5 million release clause, specifically applying to Champions League clubs where Liverpool will return to next season after missing the grade in recent years.

After securing a move to QPR in January last year for a fee of £8m, Remy contributed 6 goals in the 2012-13 season but despite his best efforts, QPR failed as a team and suffered relegation after only a solitary season in their return to the top-flight. QPR have again returned to the 'Promise Land' but manager, Harry Redknapp will have to rely on Charlie Austin to provide a high goal tally if they are to survive on their second attempt.

An impressive 14 goals in 26 league appearances during last season's loan spell with Newcastle United made Loic Remy a popular figure but the price tag seems to put off Pardew, who hasn't attempted to bring in the Frenchman on a permanent basis.

Emre Can, Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic have already been recruited by Brendan Rodgers and a new-look Liverpool are set to roll out in the 2014-15 season. Improvement was definitely required after competing for the title last season, only to fall at the last hurdle.

Loic Remy could be the next man walking in through at Anfield, a battle for a starting berth with Daniel Sturridge and Rickie Lambert commencing once he does so.

Whilst I expect Lambert to take the back seat and be a bit-part player in the next campaign, Remy's biggest task is knocking Sturridge from his perch. Sturridge racked up an impecable 21 goals last season and always played a prominent role in Suarez' absence and the Liverpool faithful may view him as the way forward.

At only 24, in my view, Daniel is not yet the finished product and seeing Loic Remy in action he could learn a few things from the French international.

If Rodgers is willing just like the season just gone, Sturridge could play a role behind Remy either playing in just behind or providing support from the wings yet many argue that the England striker isn't the same player in the deeper roles. Knowing Rodgers tactics it is viewed unlikely that he will opt for two strikers.

Personally, I would choose Loic Remy as the main man. From what I've seen of him during his time at Newcastle United, he's more powerful and a more direct striker than Sturridge and if given significant time in the role just behind the former Marseille man, I believe Sturridge can not only be a great provider for Remy but also notch up plenty of goals for himself.

With Markovic and Raheem Sterling either side of Sturridge, assisting in, well....assisting, Liverpool can again replicate last season's Premier League 102 goal tally and again challenge for title.

Will 2015 be Liverpool's year?

Let me know on Twitter @John_Clarkson 

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