'It is the hardest position on the pitch. That's why they cost so much, that's why they get paid so much and that's why finding one at this time of the year is so hard.'
Former Liverpool and Newcastle United manager Graeme Souness is succinct in his assessment of why strikers are so important. And with a week of the January transfer window left to play out, the clamour to buy one has never been greater.
Frank Lampard lost his job craving a goalscorer; West Ham grabbed the one he wanted in Danny Ings. Bournemouth gazumped Southampton to steal Nicolas Jackson and Manchester United are still on the look-out, despite the surprise signing of Wout Weghorst.