Daniel Sturridge has made just nine appearances so far this season and has spent the majority of games watching on from the substitutes bench.
He was linked with a number of Premier League and European clubs in January and reports emerged this week that his days at Liverpool could be numbered.
It is still yet to be seen whether Sturridge will move on but it would not be a surprise to see him depart at the end of the season.
On his day, Sturridge is one of the best strikers in Europe. He demonstrated that in the 2013/14 season alongside Luis Suarez, when Liverpool so nearly won the Premier League. In that campaign, he scored 25 league goals and proved to everyone just how good he can be. He is extremely talented on the ball and is a difficult player to defend against. Whilst not being blessed with blistering pace, he is more than capable of going past defenders with his tricky footwork. He’s a real goalscorer and, given the chance, will find the back of the net.
There have been games this season when Sturridge has shone. The performance against Spurs in the League Cup was one of them. He scored twice in a 2-1 at Anfield, albeit in a League Cup game. He also played well, although missing chances, against Southampton in the League Cup semi, constantly posing a threat to the Saints defence. He has been starved of game time which has had an effect on performance levels.
The major problem that Sturridge faces is that his game simply does not fit Jurgen Klopp’s game plan. The Liverpool boss likes high levels of intensity from his side, especially his attackers. Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all fit the bill.
They press defenders and never give them a chance to settle on the ball. Sturridge is not of that mould and therefore, he is not going to be picked. Even then, Divock Origi is often selected ahead of Daniel.
It does not look like Klopp will change his stance on Sturridge. Jurgen is not the type of manager to be swayed on a decision and it is now becoming increasingly apparent that the England player is not involved in the boss’ future plans.
For Sturridge fans, this all suggests a summer exit is inevitable. This is a shame as he would fit in almost any other side in the Premier League and even some top clubs in Europe. He is loved by the Anfield faithful and they would be sad to see him go but, for Sturridge personally, he needs to move on in order to fulfil his undoubted potential. At 27, he is in his prime and with the World Cup next year, he must search for first team football.
Sturridge needs the right team around him. The ideal team would be Arsenal. They have the likes of Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla, who can play a variety of passes and can also provide him with the ball in space, which is what he wants. At Liverpool, there is an expectancy to go and press the ball, shut down defenders and break with extreme pace on the counter, which does not suit Daniel at all.
Arguably, at Arsenal, he would have more of the ball at his feet and not just in the middle of the pitch, but receive the ball in dangerous positions, where he can be so effective and creative.
One thing that can be said with some certainty about Sturridge, is that he will fight to the end for his Liverpool place. During his career, there have been times when he has spent more time on the bench than on the pitch, but when given minutes, he gives everything he can to prove himself. But given the quality player he is, sitting on the bench more often than not is just not an option.
You can tell he is un happy currently. His reputation has suffered numerous dents in the past two seasons due to injuries and poor performances which have clearly knocked his confidence both on and off the pitch. A fresh start is what is needed to re-ignite his career.
No blame in this scenario can be placed on anyone, Klopp has his style and Sturridge has his and it just does not match.
I think all Liverpool supporters appreciate Sturridge for his contribution to this side and he will be remembered fondly, especially for what he did in that 13/14 season.
Nobody would begrudge him a move away, as he deserves first team football. For England also, it is imperative he is in form for next year’s World Cup, as an in-form Daniel Sturridge might just be the key to England, finally, performing to their potential at a major tournament.
