Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp facing striker dilemma in January transfer window says John Aldridge

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp faces a dilemma over his attacking options and a move in the January transfer window is not necessarily the solution, according to former Reds striker John Aldridge. Only seven teams have scored fewer than the 25 goals in 22 games the Merseysiders have mustered in the top flight, with the failure to convert chances leading to the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United – a game which Klopp's side dominated for long periods.

Klopp has bemoaned his side's finishing which sees them eight points adrift of the Champions League places with 16 games remaining. Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Danny Ings are all out injured forcing Klopp to start with Roberto Firmino in attack as Christian Benteke continues to be marginalised.

Aldridge is confident that Liverpool would have prevailed over United had they had a recognised forward at the head of their attack, but amid their injury crisis is uncertain whether the January transfer window holds the key to solving those issues. He would ideally like to see the club sign a player in the mould of former Arsenal and Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor but is concerned over the options available.

"It wasn't a bad performance from Liverpool against Man United," he told the Liverpool Echo. "All that was lacking was a goalscorer. You needed a Roger Hunt, a Kevin Keegan, a Kenny Dalglish, a Robbie Fowler, a Michael Owen, a Luis Suarez – any one of those strikers would have ensured Liverpool won this game.

"With Liverpool the striking situation still revolves around Daniel Sturridge – what's the manager going to do? It's a really bad situation for Liverpool. If Daniel Sturridge is playing we've got 10 more points and are where we want to be. That's the value of a top striker, that's why you pay £30m, £40m or £50m for their services. We saw how he scored his goals against Southampton.

"We don't even know how this pre-season has gone. Is he injured again? I understand Liverpool want to guard the situation closely but as a fan you want to know what's happening. There were some good performances all over the pitch, probably four 7 out of 10s, but what you want is someone to really peak and win you the match.

"In terms of who Liverpool could go and get to change things, it's difficult. Who's out there and at what price? What you want is someone like a good Adebayor from a few years ago. It's a real dilemma for the manager and I feel for him."