Liverpool recorded a comfortable victory in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The Reds breezed past Belgian champions Genk with the game finishing 4-1 to the European Champions. Whilst Jürgen Klopp’s side looked in control throughout the game, the hosts did threaten on occasion thanks to a solid performance from their two front men. Genk’s Paul Onuachu is the type of plan B striker that Liverpool need.
A brace from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was followed by well taken efforts from Sadio Mane and Mo Salah to put the Reds 4-0 up before Genk quickly clawed back a consolation. Genk did look dangerous on the break thanks to rapid wingers and a towering striker in the shape of Paul Onuachu.
One criticism of Liverpool in the past couple of seasons is that we only have one way of playing. When we come up against a side determined to dig in and defend, we can sometimes run out of ideas – especially due to the dearth of creativity in midfield. The front three have had to be at their brilliant best for every single game, it is unrealistic to expect them to be able to score in every single game – we need another option.
Genk’s Paul Onuachu, valued at just £5.4m by Transfermarkt, is the type of plan B Liverpool need. The 6 foot 7 inch Nigerian striker demonstrated strength, attacking intelligence and – the best cliche of them all – a great touch for a big man. Most importantly, Onuachu won aerial duels and held up the ball – with more deadly strikers around him, he could be leading target man.
At some point Jürgen Klopp will have to find another way of playing going forward lest the Reds get figured out. Paul Onuachu is an example of the ideal plan B liverpool need.
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