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It’s been a big issue at Liverpool for each of the past two summers.

Striker. Striker. Striker. Goals. Goals. Goals.

In both 2014 and 2015, the Reds’ transfer window revolved around finding that elusive frontman. They tried – and failed – to replace Barcelona-bound Luis Suarez, and then 12 months later attempted to rectify the previous year’s errors.

No fewer than six forwards have been signed in that period, at a total cost approaching £100m. The results, however, have been mixed. By the time September comes, the likelihood is that three of those six will have been moved on – without profit.

It’s a dangerous cycle, chasing your own mistakes in the transfer market. It can cost you time, money and respect. It’s a cycle Liverpool have been in for too long.

So will the summer of 2016 be the same as those that have preceded it?

(Image: Luzzani/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Is there any need for a frontman?

On the face of it, it shouldn’t be. Sure, Liverpool intend to be busy, and will look to strengthen both team and squad before the new campaign. It's never quiet at Melwood during the summer months.

They’ve already sealed deals for four players – a goalkeeper, a central defender, winger and a central midfielder – and we know of interest in a left back and another central midfielder at the very least.

The pure striking front, though, appears quiet.

Yes, the rumour mill will continue to link Liverpool with names. Jamie Vardy and Gonzalo Higuain cropped up last month. “Nothing in it,” was the word when those stories were checked out.

Are Liverpool’s forward options for 2016/17 already in place then? And if so, are they sufficient, especially given Christian Benteke is apparently set for a £30m switch to Crystal Palace?

The statistics suggest that goalscoring was not a huge issue for the Reds last season. Their league tally of 63 was only five shy of champions Leicester City, and eight off Manchester City, the Premier League’s top scorers. They managed 14 more than Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United.

The goals were spread, too; five of their squad reached double figures in all competitions.

Four of them will certainly be in Jurgen Klopp’s plans come January. The other, Benteke, seems to have lost his battle to convince the manager of his worth, but is not being allowed to leave on the cheap at least. Add in Danny Ings, fit again after a long-term knee injury, and the Reds look pretty well stocked in terms of goalscorers – even if they are still too reliant on the fragile fitness of Daniel Sturridge for most fans’ liking.

A good blend?

At 26, Sturridge is the veteran of the current crop and much, as ever, will depend on his ability to stay injury-free throughout the course of next season.

He was the Reds’ leading scorer this term, his 13 goals coming from just 19 starts. He’s the best finisher, has the slickest movement and is one of the few players in the squad capable of jaw-dropping, match-winning moments in and around the penalty area. Offer Liverpool 30 games worth of Sturridge next season and they’d bite your hand off.

Alongside him Divock Origi’s progression was one of the real highlights of the campaign. The young Belgian grew in stature, presence and composure. Ten goals in his first season in a new country at the age of 20, and from just 15 starts, screams potential. He’ll only get better, you would imagine.

Likewise Roberto Firmino, whose best performances came when asked to play further forward, and whose first year in England will have taught him plenty about the demands of a league like the Premier League – and a club like Liverpool. He’ll be targeting more than his 11 goal tally of last season, and is a huge favourite of Klopp’s.

It looks a good blend, especially with Ings’ pace and willing thrown into the mix.

When chasing up Liverpool’s reported interest in Vardy, one of the reasons given to knock it down was that the club felt they already had a player of such qualities in Ings, who likes to run in behind, works tirelessly and has a decent eye for goal.

The former Burnley man is desperate to make up for time lost last season. His presence in the squad can only benefit the Reds.

The arrival of Sadio Mane from Southampton not only brings in pace and width but another goal threat with the Senegalese notching 15 in all competitions last season. He has looked dangerous playing through the middle and like Firmino, could easily be used in that role on occasions.

In the meantime, then, Klopp and his recruitment team will continue to work.

Unlike previous years, though, their season does not seem to rest on their ability to find the right striker. Just the right goalkeeper, defender, winger and midfielders....