Liverpool have had some iconic number nines ply their trade at Anfield, and one who Curtis Jones rates above all-time great Robert Lewandowski.
Before this season, it was a while since Liverpool had an out-and-out striker of an elite level — now they have two.
The future is exciting with Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak at the club, but neither of them compare to someone like Lewandowski, who was one of the best players in the world for many years.
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Going a bit further back, though, there was a striker in a red shirt who could be considered even better.
Luis Suarez of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Curtis Jones reckons Luis Suarez was a better striker than Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski is a goalscoring machine, and the definition of a complete striker.
But Luis Suarez provided something more both during his spell at Liverpool, and at Lewandowski’s current club, Barcelona. He produced footballing magic.
Jones played a game of Start, Bench, Sell while talking to JD Sports, where he was given quite the task.
He had to choose between Karim Benzema, Suarez and Lewandowski.
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Surprisingly, Jones favours Benzema for his Ballon d’Or win, before placing the ex-Liverpool star ahead of the Polish legend.
It’s a reasonable justification given the gravity of Benzema’s Ballon d’Or win, though based on raw ability, he should be behind both.
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Jonjo Shelvey on Luis Surez
Jonjo Shelvey on Luis Surez
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Liverpool sold Suarez to Barcelona after three successful years, which saw him score 82 goals in 133 appearances in a red shirt. His goal catalogue is unmatched not just at Liverpool, but in the Premier League.
On talent, he is in a league of his own among modern strikers of the game.
Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike vying to succeed Suarez
The claim that Liverpool haven’t had a proper elite striker since Suarez sounds bizarre at first.
Roberto Firmino led the line for most of the Klopp era, and is an indisputable Liverpool legend.
The point is, he wasn’t your typical number nine. Not in the way of Suarez, Ekitike or Isak.
Is Hugo Ekitike the most exciting attacking prospect Liverpool have had since Kenny Dalglish?
Hugo Ekitike and Kenny Dalglish are the only players to score in five competitions during their first campaigns at Liverpool 🙌
Hugo Ekitike smiles after Eintracht Frankfurt win. Kenny Dalglish on the pitch for Liverpool FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Credit: Liverpool FC/James Baylis/AMA/Getty Images
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Liverpool are spoiled with their striker options, and both have the potential to be superstars at Anfield.
It’s hard to shake the feeling that only of them will reach that point.
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