Salomon Rondon isn't a household name by any stretch of the imagination, but the big, powerful Venezuelan has been heavily linked with a £15m switch from Zenit St. Petersburg to Liverpool to bolster the Reds' depleted striking ranks.

With the loss of the majority of the goals from the Liverpool side thanks to Luis Suarez's move to Barcelona and Daniel Sturridge's injury woes, Brendan Rodgers' outfit went from a dynamic to frankly blunt last term.

A major aim for Rodgers this summer will be to fill that massive void in the Liverpool side with a top quality striker. The Northern Irishman has already signed Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino, and will be keen the add an orthodox hit-man to his ranks, too.

Liverpool do need an out-and-out-striker, someone like a Rondon, who can play with both his back to goal and bring team-mates in to play, while offering the physicality and pace to threaten the defence in behind.

Essentially a striker who can go both ways, much like Diego Costa,whose impact at Chelsea last season highlights why Rondon is a forward Liverpool really need to sign.

The Venezuelan is just 25-years-old and fairly experienced around Europe - he has played in Russia a fair bit and has Champions League know-how. He has scored goals at a fair lick at every club he has played for, too.

The rumoured fee of just £15m is a really good price for a player in his prime. He will combine well with their creative players and provide a real physical presence up top - something that has been missing since Suarez left.

The difference a top striker like Rondon can make is monumental. A good marksman can make any team look better, as they have the ability to score the goals to get the wins. There is no doubt that Rondon will score goals for Liverpool if the Reds complete a deal.

As touched on already, one of the major factors that took Chelsea to the title was the signing of a top striker in Costa, and whilst I'm not saying Rondon will take Liverpool to the title - as the gap is much larger than it was for Chelsea last summer - he will make a big impact and could really be the difference between the top four and Europa League football.

Rondon is exactly the sort of striker that Liverpool need to lead the line. He will fill the Suarez-shaped void and could even develop a partnership with Sturridge. It may not be the new 'SAS', but it could be an exciting new partnership and may be lethal in a different way.

Time will tell, but Rondon is a player Liverpool should look to sign as he could make a real difference at Anfield this coming season.

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