Is Daniel Sturridge the answer for Liverpool?
By Alex Buzby
After a brutal defeat vs Swansea City, Daniel Sturridge could be Jurgen Klopp’s answer to save season.
If you ask most experts who the most purely skilled player on Liverpool’s team is, I bet Daniel Sturridge’s name is mentioned with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana. Sturridge is a goal-scoring machine, as Reds’ legend and former teammate Steven Gerrard has recently reminded everyone.
"“Liverpool need him. He scores goals when he plays, his minutes-to-goals ratio is incredible.”"
The England international is the definition of a playmaker. Sturridge has an eye for goal, skill on the ball, and the confidence to take his shot without hesitation.
A perfect example of Sturridge’s world class skill was his goal in last year’s Europa League Final vs Sevilla. Sturridge, with pure instinct, curled the ball with the outside of his left foot into the back of the net.
Sturridge has found himself out-of-place in Jurgen Klopp’s team since the German took the helm at Anfield.
Sturridge is best when operating as the lone striker and can make deep runs behind the opponent’s defensive line. Because of Klopp’s system, he spends more time pressing, rather than hanging back and waiting for his time to pounce.
After Saturday’s disappointing display, Klopp must try something new with the squad. Sturridge’s electric ability could be exactly what the Reds need at the moment.
Klopp has said that Liverpool have tried to sign players during this January’s transfer window, but with no luck. Sturridge could slide in for Sadio Mane until the Senegal international returns from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sturridge started the season out of the squad due to injury, and because of Roberto Firmino’s natural fit in Klopp’s system, Sturridge has struggled for playing time. Because of this, it has been difficult for Sturridge to develop any sort of goal scoring rhythm, although he has still netted eight goals in all competitions this season.
His greatest contribution to the Reds this season was his near goal in the Merseyside Derby vs Everton that gave Sadio Mane a tap-in to give the Reds the win, and bragging rights in town.
Liverpool was static in attack all night until that moment, when Sturridge, who came on late, provided the spark. Sturridge outclassed his defender with a faint touch to open space for his shot that hit the post.
In my opinion, Klopp needs to find a way to include Sturridge in his starting lineup when the England man is fit. Sturridge on the wing would allow Lallana to slot back into central midfield, where he has dominated.
Sturridge could be the difference as Liverpool look to secure a Champions League place, or a late title charge.