john craig wrote:Ok we all know that one if not two strikers will be brought in this summer. There have been loads of rumours and speculation in the press about who could be coming and some members on here have also suggested a few names. Here's a list of what I would consider (reasonably) realistic targets, what's your take on them?
Torres - A no for me. Overpriced, overrated and inconsistent. If he's not convincing me that he can be a star in Spain then he's certainly not convincing me he'd adapt to the Premiership.
Yakubu - Not my cup of tea either. Dare I say it but he reminds me of a young Heskey - pace, physique and powerful shot, but not convinced by his link up play (in fact he's been out of the Boro team recently because Hasselbaink and Viduka combine much better together than with Yakubu).
Ashton - A yes from me, I think this guy has the ability to do it for us. Not only can he finish but he is one striker who I am actually convinced with his all-round game - he's good in the air and on the ground, can link play well and has good technique.
Defoe - Sometimes he impresses me but I can't make my mind up about him. Good finisher and quick but his all-round game is average.
Tevez or Aguero - Put these guys together because don't know much about them - all I've seen are the clips on here. Always a gamble bringing someone over from the South American leagues, for every Ronaldinho unearthed there are plenty of flops. The fact though that we're well represented out there now with scouts means we're less likely to make a mistake.
Keane - I'm a fan of his. Last summer I said we should sign him, things weren't going that well for him at Spurs then. People argued he didn't score enough goals and maybe he didn't, but his performances consistently for Ireland at International level have been excellent over the years and his form this season for Spurs (with a good run in the team) have been very good. He's another that grew up supporting Liverpool and I like his attitude on the pitch - he never gives up. His link-up play is also excellent and for a guy not that big he holds the ball up well.
D. Bent - I've always said no and I'm still not convinced. His pace is good and he's scored a lot of goals, but he's not that developed technically and his first touch can be erratic. However his scoring record cannot be sniffed at - if he repeats this record next season I might change my mind about him but no for now.
A Johnson - No one talks about him anymore but last summer half the forum wanted us to sign him. I rate him, scores goals and looks a good player all-round, but I'm not sure if he's quite good enough.
Owen - Well this could be a thread in itself just for Owen. No from me, for now I'll not talk about the principles of whether we should sign him (because of what's happened) and just look at it in terms of football. Too injury prone imo (he was unlucky to break his foot but it's his hamstrings I'd worry about long term), he'd cost a lot of money and his wages wouldn't be cheap - not good business.
Mido - Only on loan at Spurs and rumours say that there is interest from other Premiership teams. I think he's a good player to be honest - he's 1st choice at Spurs ahead of Keane and Defoe who are in competition to partner him. But I wouldn't sign him as he's a temperamental git - those of you who saw the African Nations fiasco will know what I mean.
Anelka - He'd jump at the chance to come back I'm sure and I think he's a very good player, I'd say yes. He's maturing and hopefully isn't so much of a sulk these days, he's proven in the Premiership and importantly has bags of pace - which I think we need as an option when Cisse leaves.
Villa - Looks a class act, but to be honest he maybe doesn't deserve to be on this list because I think he's beyond us getting at present. Should have put more effort into getting him last summer instead of Owen.
Bojinov/ Luca Toni - Both these guys have looked good in Italy but again they may both be slightly beyond us. Toni especially I reckon will move to a bigger Italian team after the world cup and Bojinov is widely expected to move to Germany to play for Bayern at some stage.
Forlan - Bigmick has suggested it in the past. He didn't settle in England first time around and he did play for the enemy but he's been exceptional for Villareal. No convinced myself but I don't think it's a bad suggestion.
I'm sure ther's loads of others I've left out but that should be enough to get you thinking anyway!
I'd have to say 'NO' to Ashton, Robbie Keane, and Anelka... who you have said 'Yes' for.
Ok Ashton is a good player, but is he better than what we currently have?
Robbie Keane would admittedly add something but i'm not convinced that it would be enough and Anelka is admittedly an out and out goalscorer who would jump at the chance of joining Liverpool. However, i'm not convinced that Benitez would jump at the chance of signing Anelka.
I agree that Owen is looking more and more injury prone but he is proven quality when fit obviously. However, if he was that interested in coming back to Liverpool he'd have rejected Newcastle no matter what, and i'd be amazed if Rafa showed any interest in a player who seems more concerned with representing his country than he does representing his club.
I actually think Torres is a very good player and like the idea of Defoe partnering Crouch in the Premiership.[B]
