Critics of Liverpool typically point to two things that they feel will prevent the Reds from winning trophies, and especially a Premier League Title. The first is the often talked about and obvious concern with their defense. But, the other end of the pitch has also given critiques a target. What they claim is that Liverpool's lack of a clinical finisher will prevent them from achieving success. Jurgen Klopp is aware that his roster lacks the proto-typical goal-scoring striker that other contenders have. But guess what, Klopp is just fine with it, in fact, he prefers it that way.
It's not to say that Jurgen Klopp is opposed to having a deadly assassin of a striker, his squad is obviously built on creativity and offensive pressure. To say he would not want goal scorers is silly. But, if you look at the leading scorers in the Premier League in recent years you won't find a Liverpool player. Other title contenders have rolled out the Diego Costa's of the world, or Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku, or even Zlatan Ibrahimovic. But, Klopp has not attempted to bring such a player to his squad and he prefers the make-up of his roster.
The current attackers for Liverpool are led by Roberto Firmino. Daniel Sturridge at one point was looked at perhaps potentially in the same group as those listed above, but injuries have prevented him from ever reaching that status. And, in Dominick Solanke is far too young and green to consider him but does not seem to be destined to be considered in that category either. But again, Jurgen Klopp is fine with his group of strikers and has not looked to bring in someone from the pure sniper category.
The reason? It's quite simple really. Klopp has a system where his attackers are asked to do much more than just score goals. Much of Liverpool's offense is built upon pressuring the defense and creating turnovers. He prefers the constant pressure and creativity over the striker who waits and then pounces on his opportunity. Again, it's not to suggest Klopp does not like offense, he just prefers to get his offense in a different way. A way that is not dependent on a typical striker. Or, a way that actually would be hampered by such a player.
Is the criticism on Klopp fair? The criticism claims that without such a striker Liverpool will never reach the heights of their ambitions. I don't buy it. Looking at last year, Liverpool finished with the 4th most goals in the league. Only Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City finished with more goals. And, the league leaders only had 8 goals more than Liverpool. It's not as if Liverpool cannot score. This season, albeit in the early stages, a similar result is occurring as Liverpool have the 3rd most goals scored thus far.
So goal scoring is not the problem. And the reason Klopp prefers his roster over having a sniper can be explained by looking at Roberto Firmino. Firmino brings much more to the pitch than goal scoring. In fact, coming up he wasn't even a striker. While at Hoffenheim he often played an attacking midfield position, slotting in behind the striker. He was the playmaker and the distributor, often setting up goals for teammates. Of course, he too scored goals, but he brought much more to the game than that. While in the Bundesliga he was always near the top of the leaders in tackles won and this is exactly why Klopp loves the Brazilian. And, when you look at those leaders, all except Firmino were defensive midfielders. In other words, in addition to the offense he brought in goals and assists, Firmino often matched the best defensive midfielders in key defensive stats.
Everyone knows Klopp's system depends on putting pressure on the opposition. It would not flourish with a striker standing around waiting to be fed the ball. This is often the criticism on Daniel Sturridge and why he is not looked at as a great fit in the Klopp system. But Roberto Firmino fits it perfectly. Those who do not understand football, or who only look at the stat sheet may not appreciate all that Roberto Firmino does for Liverpool. But, Klopp sees it and appreciates it. "People say he does not score enough," Klopp said. "What?! He is the best player without scoring with how well he reads the game for the benefit of others."
Firmino does a lot that you need to see to appreciate. The type of things that helps a team be successful but that doesn't always show in the stats. The timed runs he makes, the runs that pull a defender out of an area to clear the area for teammates, the straight on attacking of a defender on a counter to then play the ball into space for a teammate, and the constant pressure he puts on the opposition all are hugely important but do not appear in stats.
But, Firmino does score goals as well. On average, he scores a goal about once every three games he plays. To Klopp, this type of scoring rate combined with all of the other benefits he brings is much more important than just having a sniper of a goal scorer who does little else. While some point to Liverpool's 35 shots against Burnley with only 1 goal as a weakness pointing to the need for more polished finishers, Klopp does not worry. In fact, he is pleased. Not pleased with the result, but with the opportunities. As Klopp points out, he would worry if his offense was not creating chances and opportunities. But getting 35 shots clearly shows they are creating plenty of chances. Klopp has said that he's been around football long enough not to worry, that when you create this many chances they will start to turn to more goals. Of course, from time to time you will have a game like this, domination with little to show on the scoreboard. But, this type of pressure on the opposition and this amount of chances offensively will ultimately result in more goals.
So yes, Liverpool may not have what others consider an elite #9 but for Jurgen Klopp this is exactly what he wants.