[quote]A real exciting one for the football club; one that will be terrific here I’m sure and the supporters will absolutely love him.[/quote] -Brendan Rodgers in July 2012
Liverpool fans fervently anticipated the arrival of that ‘exciting’ player. The rumour mills worked their magic, false hopes dawned among the supporters but as any other season, we waited in vain. While Borini failed to impress, Allen’s impact subsided as the season progressed and Sahin was another one of those peculiar Liverpool signings (joining a long list). It took more than six months and two transfer windows for Liverpool to finally grab that exciting man. Daniel Sturridge has been a revelation of sorts. Early indications are in tune with Rodgers’ comments in the summer.
Denied opportunities at Chelsea despite impressive performances, played out of position and overlooked by 3-4 managers, Sturridge walked a thin line many young Englishman have done in the past – a Wayne Rooney or a Jermaine Pennant?
His arrival was largely welcomed at Anfield with supporters desperately crying for a striker. There were a few though that remained hostile. A few were left dreaming of Huntelaar and Llorente thus Daniel Sturridge seemed a significant step down. However, the former Manchester City youngster has done what very few Liverpool signings have managed to do – have an instant impact. It’s still early days but a return of four goals in five games is something that any striker would be proud of. It isn’t his goals though that make him so important for the side; it’s what he brings to the game, the approach alters, and the entire team is able to perform better (or differently).
What Liverpool have lacked since the departure of a certain Spaniard is a typical centre forward to stay up top or run off the last defender. Carroll was meant to do that but his lack of mobility and preference to the aerial game just wouldn’t fit into Rodgers’ system, neither did it work with the King before him. With this hollow space in the attacking third, Liverpool failed to have a man over in the oppositions box. Suarez dropped deep and thrived in doing so, while the midfielders were hesitant to move forward.
The failings of this approach were obvious. The play was quick, the ball move swiftly and often smoothly from defence to attack, but in the deeper attacking positions, the play failed to move forward and hit a stumbling block. The ball would move too quickly from the back, so quickly that the attacking players failed to get into position quickly enough. When the ball is played up from the defence into the midfield, the first thing players look for is a striker to come into the game, without a centre forward Liverpool failed to do this. And hence the play was delayed and impeded, preventing any chance of a quick counter and consequently the effort of the defence proving to be fruitless.
Having a man constantly playing off the shoulders of the central defenders proves to be a further hindrance to the opposition. It puts pressure on the defenders and prevents an opportunity of respite. Its an added bonus that Daniel has a spirited work rate constantly pressing the opposition higher up the field, forcing defenders back and into errors, allowing Suarez to pick up the second balls.
Sturridge brings the all round package to the field. At 6’2″ he is an imposing aerial threat, another avenue which lacked in the attacking third for the first half of the season. He is not very pacey, but possesses an incredible burst of acceleration which he most recently showcased down the left flank against Nastasic at the Etihad. He has a significant strength advantage over his opponents, although it may not appear at first sight, which allows him to win the ground duels. What this also does is it brings in another part of Sturridge’s game which essentially brings his team-mates into the game. He has a surprisingly strong ability to hold the ball up, which is complemented by his strength. It forces the opposition out of the defence and provides attackers down the flanks and from midfield to get into the game with sufficient time to do so.
The bigger picture of such alterations to the game is that Rodgers now has an opportunity to change the approach being employed. A more direct essence is brought to the game, allowing quicker counters and a greater chance to catch the opposition out. When the opposition is on the back foot, neat touches and quick passes are not the way to penetrate into the box. A swift launch up field with hopes that a striker can get onto the ball, and his partner picking up the second balls is far more effective. This can be seen in some of the recent fixtures, Suarez is managing to link up with Sturridge with greater ease and often to deadly ramifications. It has allowed midfielders to play longer and more direct passes, Steven Gerrard in particular seems to be loving this. He made 18 long ball passes against City, nearly double that of City’s goalkeeper.
Sturridge’s fellow striker Suarez has had a fantastic season so far and is on course to reaching the commendable 30 goal mark (fingers crossed). But despite his goal scoring exploits, Suarez isn’t a natural striker, he’s not a poacher, and isn’t someone who takes his chances. He often over complicates things and scores audacious goals. That is where he differs from Sturridge. The latter likes to sit around the box, play through the middle and score the simpler goals. Not in quality though as his latest goal proves.
As already mentioned, his ability to bring his team-mates into the game is proving to be a worthy approach. Players like Jordan Henderson are increasingly benefiting from the €12 million striker’s inclusion into the squad. The midfield is now quicker in distributing passes and the more attacking of the three midfielders is able to have a better game going forward. Suarez himself loves linking up around the box with a quick one-two pass and Sturridge provides this outlet.
Sturridge’s movements completes his game, making him difficult to mark but easier for his team-mates to find. Suarez’s early days at Liverpool were helped with his link up with Dirk Kuyt. The ‘Suarridge’ partnership is reminiscent of that with Sturridge imitating the effort put in by the Dutchman while finally matching Suarez’ movement stride for stride. When one moves to one side, the other automatically moves as well. They are developing a good understand in the final third. Suarez’ goal against Norwich is evidence of their understanding while there were instances of good link up play (via long balls) against United and Arsenal.
Liverpool’s shrewd transfer business has to be mentioned as well. After previous nightmare January windows, and a horror Summer transfer window, it was a welcome change to see Liverpool doing some smart business. £12 million for 23-year-old talented striker, who could potentially play a big part for England at Brazil 2014 as well, is a terrific piece of business. The £8.5 million for Coutinho sweetens up the January business. While top clubs set out to sign the Llorente’s, Huntelaar’s and Walcott’s of the world, Liverpool can be proud of sneaking in this economical signing early. The potential Sturridge offers and the impact he has already made is incredible. The likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs could be kicking themselves in the summer when they reflect on this deal.
Daniel Sturridge stands as further proof that often what players (and personnel) need is time. Believe in them and they will deliver. Lucas, Henderson (Downing?) have shown to the Anfield faithful that all they need is a little motivation. Sturridge was rejected by Chelsea’s instant success policy. But, after coming out as winners in the £50 million Torres deal, Liverpool seem to have benefited from this striker deal as well. With 12 points separating the club from that coveted 4th spot, Liverpool have the best chance of getting back to the holy grail of European football since their absence from it. If the Merseyside club are to have any chance of returning to European paradise, make no mistake, we need a player to be right up there.
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