da bwin: Daniel Sturridge is struggling to find his feet at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, due to a wealth of competition and injury troubles.
da roleta: Indeed, the Mirror are already claiming that he’s considering a move away from Merseyside amid fears he’s not wanted, but the England international could be vital in the Reds’ title push.
It’s now make-or-break time for Sturridge at Anfield and he needs to prove himself in the second-half of the season. The upcoming festive season of football could be vital for the player and his club.
Liverpool need all hands on deck if they are to fulfil their ambition of winning the Premier League title and the winter stage of the season is a crucial part of their push. If they struggle to get through this period, then their chances of success will decrease significantly.
Fortunately, though, they can benefit from having Sturridge to call upon and the former Chelsea and Manchester City striker will be vital for Liverpool in the next six weeks.
Here, we’ve identified FIVE reasons why…
Experience
Having recently turned 27, Sturridge is one of the more senior players in the squad, particularly amongst the attacking contingent, and his experience could prove to be vital for the Reds. Sadio Mane (24), Philippe Coutinho (24) and Roberto Firmino (25) could all learn a lot from him.
Sturridge has played for three of English football’s biggest sides, has earned 25 caps for England and marks seven years from his senior debut with Manchester City this year. He’s well travelled, has learned a lot and his advice for the younger members of the squad could be significant.
Drive for success
Crucially, Sturridge has been in this position before. In the 2013/14 season, he was electric in attack alongside Luis Suarez and was ably supported by Raheem Sterling but the Reds slipped towards the end of the campaign and ended empty-handed.
Sturridge has struggled for regular fitness and form since that title push but he’ll be determined not to suffer the same fate again at the end of the season. That drive for success will be crucial for Jurgen Klopp’s side when they hit a sticky spell in their push for success, so Sturridge has to be present to pull them out of the mud.
Something different
Firmino and Sturridge are two magnificent players and it just happens to be the case that right now Firmino is favoured for the striking role. That could easily change, though, as Sturridge offers Liverpool something different.
Sturridge has pace, strength and tremendous finishing ability and whilst that can also be said for Firmino, the England man is more suited to spearheading an attack and he’s likely to get plenty of game time over the next month or so.
Liverpool have to keep their squad fresh and having Sturridge to call upon is a big bonus.
Fighting for his future
Whatever way you look at it, this is make-or-break for Sturridge at Liverpool. The Reds and Jurgen Klopp want to see more from him, whilst the player himself is desperate for more regular first-team opportunities – both could demand a transfer for the striker if their aims are not fulfilled.
Having failed to make the grade at Manchester City and Chelsea, Sturridge will be desperate not to leave another top English side before his 28th birthday. If that happens, he may struggle to get his chance with a Champions League side, and that could impact his future with England.
Sturridge knows he has a lot to do and he’ll fight to achieve it.
Goals record
Whatever you say about Daniel Sturridge, his goals record for Liverpool in the Premier League is magnificent – he’s netted 43 in 77 appearances. Also boasting eight England goals in 25 appearances, Sturridge is born to score.
He’s the sort of player who can find the net on any day against any opposition, which makes him a vital part of the Reds squad, whether he’s starting the match or coming off the bench. He brings goals to any side. and Liverpool will need that.