Calling Clint

As an avid Liverpool fan the opening day of the Premier League season was hard to stomach. After a summer of big changes at Anfield, the biggest being at the helm with Brendan Rodgers taking over from Kenny Dalglish, my hopes and expectations had grown by the time a ball was kicked in anger at the Hawthorns. Ninety disastrous minutes later and a juddering sense of realism had returned accompanied by a massive dose of déjà vu.

For forty minutes Liverpool were in control, dominating possession and looking comfortable at the back but the real issue that needs addressing fast, is that by the time Zoltan Gera fired a thunderbolt past Pepe Reina, Liverpool had missed 3 or 4 gilt edged opportunities to take the lead and, in all probability, the three points. This was the same pattern as numerous matches last season where a distinct failure to convert chances when in the ascendancy costing the Reds dear in the race for a top 4 spot and ultimately leading to the sacking of Dalglish.

Now I know it is early days and I firmly believe Rodgers should be given time and finances needed to compete at the very highest level but Liverpool desperately need a clinical striker otherwise many more painful Saturday afternoons spent viewing Jeff Stelling and co. are in store for the Judge.

Looking at the strikers Rodgers can call on it is clear at this stage that Andy Carroll isn’t in his long term plans. Luis Suarez is a genuine world class player but I am not so sure he is a world class finisher and Fabio Borini is a cracking prospect with a decent scoring record during his time in Italy playing for AS Roma but at 21 and with no Premier League experience it is asking a lot for him to step up to the plate in his first full season in England.

I am desperately hoping the reds can secure the services of Clint Dempsey from Fulham before the transfer window slams shut in 8 days time. Dempsey has been outstanding in recent seasons and scored over 20 goals in all competitions last term, he is the one player who I can see Rodgers conceivably being able to sign who I believe would make an immediate impact to the team and in particular the ‘Goals For’ column.

So if you are reading this Brendan? Please go out and get Clint so that maybe, just maybe, I will be smiling come the end of the season.