Liverpool have been told that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is the answer to their striker problems.
The Reds have struggled in front of goal in recent months, especially at Anfield, with just three goals in their last eight home Premier League matches.
Two of those came in their last home victory against Aston Villa a fortnight ago, where Watkins himself got on the scoresheet.
While Mohamed Salah has been pretty close to his best this season with 28 goals in all competitions, his fellow forwards have been the opposite.
Sadio Mane has struggled for form with 13 goals in all competitions, while Roberto Firmino has just six strikes this term.
Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes that Watkins could help solve Liverpool’s goalscoring woes, saying that he would also get the best out of Salah and Mane.
“They don’t have a natural centre-forward, that’s the problem,” Whelan told Football Insider. “Diogo Jota’s not a striker neither’s Roberto Firmino.
“If you want to get the best out of Salah and Mane and Jota in the number 10 role you need a natural centre-forward.
“He [Watkins] would bring everything to the party when you look at how he plays. He runs behind, good on the ball, brings others into play, good pace.
“He wouldn’t look out of place at Liverpool, put it that way. He would only enhance them.
“I think that’s what’s lacking there. There’s a lot of wingers and a lot of number 10s but not that focal number nine who will run in behind and allow Mane to come inside and take positions up.
“ Firmino doesn’t score enough goals. He doesn’t score enough goals really.
“They play with 10s and wingers so they need a number nine.
“He’s the right age, plays the right way. If they can prise him away that would be a brilliant move.”
