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Liverpool FC need a goalscorer. What was once unthinkable, particularly when Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge danced up front, is now acknowledged by all – even manager Brendan Rodgers.

The conventional wisdom is that Liverpool will struggle for the top four once again next season without a new striker, especially with Sturridge missing the start of the season.

That is a realistic scenario. They have scored just 50 league goals, with Steven Gerrard top-scoring with eight. Sturridge, despite a season destroyed by injury, remains the club’s joint fifth-highest scorer this season.

The problem is obvious. Sturridge is a top player and one to build a side around, but his fitness cannot be trusted. Even if this latest operation on his hip solved the underlying issues, it would be a great risk to tailor the side to play to his strengths. That, undoubtedly, is how he performs best. It is a lot of uncertainty going into a season when one thing is for certain: the Reds need to be better.

But the squad’s problems do not end there. Liverpool could lose a number of full backs this summer having already lost Jon Flanagan for an unknown period of time.

There are also question marks around the goalkeeping position, with Simon Mignolet now established as first-choice with confidence, but a lack of clarity on who could offer him competition for the no.1 spot.

The pursuit of Memphis Depay – which Rodgers has denied – raises a question regarding wide players. Though the Liverpool manager says the club are well-stocked in that area, all of his options have suffered inconsistent seasons, whether through loss of form or fitness.

And of course, in midfield, Gerrard will leave, the task of replacing the irreplaceable potentially on the agenda.

It was Gerrard who, fresh from Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, urged owners FSG to dig deep into their pockets this summer.

This all adds to the biggest riddle of all. A goalscorer is a priority, but just how important is one? Is it worth sacrificing funds, and squad depth, to bring one in? If John W. Henry and others are to delve into their pockets - and Gerrard is right, they must - just where should that money be going?

After a season so barren, the desire will be for goals, goals, goals. A noble notion, if nothing else, but one that could neglect other areas of the squad.

Here is an assessment of where the Reds’ priorities could lie this summer.

GOALSCORER / STRIKER

A striker is undoubtedly the one thing Liverpool need this summer. This player must be able to score and create, and have the ability to play both alongside and instead of Sturridge. The Reds have also lacked tempo higher up the field, so energy and the ability to press and harass is key.

Playing out wide is not necessarily a necessity, but flexibility is something Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli have lacked. Lambert has performed admirably over the past two games, but the players behind him want something different from him. Creating a good on-field understanding with Philippe Coutinho,Raheem Sterling and other forwards is also essential.

Necessity: 10/10

FULL BACK

Glen Johnson is almost certain to leave when his contract expires this summer, barring a change of heart from both parties. Jose Enrique has started six games this season, with his last showing coming against Bolton in January, one which didn’t last more than 45 minutes. Flanagan remains on the sidelines through injury, Javier Manquillo’s future is uncertain and Andre Wisdom returns from loan having fallen from favour at mid-table West Bromwich Albion.

A drastic set of circumstances, granted, but one which could see Alberto Moreno as the only natural full back heading into next season.

A full back, one who could play both left and right like Johnson and Flanagan, would be a welcome addition. It does not solve the primary problem of scoring goals, but a signing who was a ball-player with good positioning would help.

The defence has been one of the strongest aspects of the season, but to avoid a real dilemma in the position – such as playing Emre Can there – the club must identify one.

Necessity: 8/10

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER / LEADER

Gerrard will leave a big gap in the squad, even if Can is to step into midfield next season.

Jordan Henderson is a potential captain and would be a mainstay in the position, as he has been for the past two years. Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva, however, should remain squad members, specialist players who have a role to play in particular situations.

The issue in Liverpool’s midfield is not necessarily bodies, nor is it to do with ability. But the Reds are losing their top goalscorer – albeit Gerrard has scored mainly from the spot – as well as somebody who embodies the club. When Sterling was sent tumbling by Cesc Fabregas in the opening exchanges on Sunday, there was little retribution from those on the field, no needle towards the Spaniard.

Henderson, Lucas, Allen and Can would be a good quartet in central midfield, but lacks guaranteed goals. Liverpool would need somebody capable of getting forward, operating higher up the pitch but also be capable of leading by example.

Necessity: 7/10

GOALKEEPER

What a season, and what a rollercoaster ride, it has been for Mignolet.

The Belgian goalkeeper was a source of amusement, a figure of mocking, for the first half of the season. But dropping down to the bench, and improvement in his kicking, has seen him re-establish himself as first-choice and command more confidence now than he has in his two-year stay at Anfield.

There could still be a desire to bring in competition for Mignolet. Brad Jones is expected to leave despite talk of a new deal, with Fiorentina’s Norberto Neto and Club Brugge’s Matthew Ryan among those who have been heavily scouted and are under consideration.

But with Danny Ward also in reserve, and Mignolet seemingly in the ascension, spending money on a new goalkeeper is questionable. Neto wouldn’t command a fee, of course, but would still require an outlay.

Necessity: 6/10

WIDE PLAYER

In batting away suggestions the club were interested in Dutch wide man Depay, Rodgers named four wide players he can call upon: Sterling, Jordon Ibe, Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic.

A good point, well made. But of those four, Sterling has only broken 10 goals throughout the season – and that was after a stint up front. Lallana, Markovic and Ibe have eight between them.

Liverpool may need their wide players to both score and create. However, given three of those four are 21 or younger – Lallana, just turned 27, the exception – it would make little sense to invest heavily in that area. Getting goals from these players, rather than sourcing them elsewhere, will be the key.

Necessity: 2/10