Which Premier League team has the best strike-force…
SEE ALSO: Best Premier League players 2014/15
Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all spent big on forward players this summer, while Manchester City and Manchester United’s current sets of strikers have both fired their respective teams to the Premier League in the past.
The Daily Mail tried to decipher who had the strongest strike-force earlier today, evaluation the value of all the players at their disposal, not just those likely to star games.
Below is the surprising conclusion they came too, with the five Premier League sides ranked from five to one. See if you agree:
5) Manchester United (Rating: 6.5/10)
Forward line: Wayne Rooney (£27m, 2004), Robin van Persie (£24m, 2012), Danny Welbeck (Youth graduate), Javier Hernandez (N/A, 2010); Cost to assemble: £51m.
Manchester United undoubtedly have one of the strongest striking partnerships in English football on paper in Rooney and Van Persie, but questions remain as to how well they are able to work together, as well as how the former will cope with the responsibilities of also being club captain.
There are concerns too over a lack of high-quality back-up for the duo, with Hernandez and Welbeck both having been linked with moves away from the club this summer. Van Persie spent much of last season out through injury, and any repeat of such difficulties could leave United struggling.
4) Arsenal (Rating: 7/10)
Front line: Alexis Sanchez (£30m, 2014), Olivier Giroud (£13m, 2012), Lukas Podolski (£11m, 2012), Yaya Sanogo (Free, 2013), Joel Campbell (N/A, 2011); Cost to assemble: £54m.
The major issue for the current Arsenal team is the lack of a world class centre-forward. Sanchez is a great attacking player, but is still adapting to life in English football. Giroud has enjoyed relative success in the past, but now faces three months on the sidelines with a broken foot.
In Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell they have too extremely exciting young players, who have both shown flashes of brilliance in the early stages of their career. However, you can’t help but think that Arsenal’s front line is one man short.
3) Liverpool (Rating: 7/10)
Front line: Daniel Sturridge (£12m, 2013), Mario Balotelli (£16m, 2014), Rickie Lambert (£4m, 2014); Cost to assemble: £32m
Liverpool certainly have an intimidating front line, but the big question now is whether the trio will be able to work together. Daniel Sturridge has a wonderful goal:game ratio at Anfield, but how will he adjust to the arrival of Balotelli, and the prospect of potentially being forced out wide to accommodate the 4-2-3-1 formation. Balotelli himself is a fine young player, but questions remain regarding his temperament and attitude. Lambert was an excellent player for Southampton, but could find himself out of his depth at Liverpool if he does not the hit ground running.
The other major factor, of course, is the departure of Luis Suarez. Liverpool have done their best to replace his goals, both with their front line purchases, and their attacking midfield signings – the likes of Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic. But the Uruguayan, love him or hate him, was one of the best players in the world. His goals, and his influence on the rest of the team will take time to replicate.
2) Chelsea (Rating: 7.5/10)
Front line: Diego Costa (£32m, 2014), Fernando Torres (£50m, 2011), Didier Drogba (Free, 2014); Cost to assemble: £82m.
Costa has got off to the perfect start at Chelsea, with two goals in his first two games. However, he will need to maintain his consistency throughout the season to stop the doubters who claim that the former Atletico Madrid hit-man was hugely overpriced.
Chelsea’s main worry will be that an injury to Costa would leave them very short up front. Drogba is still an inspirational figure at Stamford Bridge, but at 36 his best days are well and truly behind him. Torres’ horrific record with the club is showing no signs of improving any time soon, and the Spaniard must be demoralised at being third choice. It might be better for all concerned if Torres were to leave, and be replaced by a useful impact player.
1) Manchester City (Rating: 9.5/10)
Front line: Sergio Aguero (signed for £38m in 2011), Stevan Jovetic (£22m, 2013), Edin Dzeko (£27m, 2011), Alvaro Negredo (£20m, 2013); Cost to assemble: £107m.
Talk about intimidating. Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero have both been scoring regularly for Manchester City for several seasons, but throw in a revitalised Stevan Jovetic, who scored twice against Liverpool on Monday, and the defending Premier League champions look well on the way to further success.
Alvaro Negredo will miss the first-half of the season through injury, but if he can rediscover his form and fitness during the post-Christmas period, then City will undoubtedly have four world class strikers at their disposal. Their only major issue will be keeping all of them happy!
SEE MORE:
FIFA 2015 Player Ratings Revealed.
Best young football players in the world!
Best strikers in the world