It has been four long years for Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge. Those four years represent the time since his magnificent 2013/2014 campaign. Since then, the star English striker, has had trouble replicating that form he once had.
Let it be known that it has never been an issue with the talent Sturridge brings to the table. He is an elite close range finisher with a swagger that is contagious among his fellow teammates.
However, injuries have plagued the forward in recent years. According to the Premier League, Sturridge has only appeared in 61 games since his breakout season, which equates to about half of the season each year.
Even last year, when loaned out to West Brom to try and find his way he fell upon another injury which forced him out for most of his loan stint. Many said that a move away from the Reds where he could see consistent playing time was imminent. However, Jurgen Klopp had a different plan.
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One of Liverpool’s key target positions this summer was a quality backup striker, one to assist Roberto Firmino in case of injury or fatigue. Dom Solanke was just not getting the job done. He is still young, but was not nearly clinical enough in front of goal to strike for the men in red.
Divock Origi was another player recalled from loan, that could have had a promising future based on how the preseason went. Unfortunately for him, he has been very poor in Liverpool’s preseason games to date, and transfer rumors are whirling.
This makes Sturridge the next in line, with youngster Rhian Brewster still recovering from injury. Sturridge has shown a lot of promise so far this summer, netting multiple goals and making a noticeable impact when he is on the field. He has also made quite the friendship with Liverpool newcomer Naby Keita. The two seem to be hitting it off on and off the pitch, as they have combined for many chances so far.
Sturridge also seems to be feeling a little back to form as Liverpool caught up with him after the game against Borussia Dortmund saying,
"“I love it here. I love the lads and the banter in the group is unbelievable. I feel at home again.”"
It is really nice to see that Sturridge is once again happy in a Liverpool shirt and that he is once again in a position to make a real impact to a team that could go really far in multiple competitions.
Klopp is a huge fan of rotating the team, and his presence when he is healthy he is very threatening one to any opposition. Even being able to come on late as a “super-sub” will tickle Klopp’s fancy.
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Hopefully, if Sturridge stays healthy throughout the season, he can breakthrough again, make a real impact and do the arm-wave goal celebration that is just so fun to watch.