---
title: "Klopp must not give up on Sturridge"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/klopp-not-give-up-sturridge/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jamiecrisp"
section: "Articles"
published: "2016-01-13T13:31:20Z"
modified: "2016-01-13T13:38:51Z"
---

# Klopp must not give up on Sturridge

[Reports have indicated](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2016/01/10/sturridge-set-exit/) that Jurgen Klopp is growing frustrated with injury-prone Daniel Sturridge and is ready to get rid of the England international. Sturridge has only played 106 minutes under the German manager and it seems that Klopp is annoyed at the striker’s frequent injuries – but he’d be wrong to cash in on the former Chelsea man.

The January transfer window provides no guarantee of signing world-class players (albeit the signature of Luis Suarez was secured in January) and, at this moment, there doesn’t seem to be many players available for Klopp. Furthermore, there is no certainty of the striker (if signed) fitting straight into this team and adapting to the Premier League. For example, Alexandre Lacazette would be a fair alternative and looks as if he’d be a perfect for Liverpool, but I think he will stay at Lyon to cement his place in the Euro 2016 squad for France, which may apply to other attackers too.

Alexandre Pato has been a player [linked](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2016/01/09/liverpool-eyeing-move-brazilian-striker/) and that is understandable due to the Reds having only one striker available, that being Christian Benteke, but neither of those two hold the undoubted quality Daniel Sturridge possesses. Benteke doesn’t have the right understanding and anticipation of the game which he ought to have in Klopp’s implemented system. He is too static and won’t apply the work rate in order to press the opponents high up, which the German manager wants to see.

With Sturridge, you have someone who is very quick, can run in behind defences and is always on the move which will prove a lot easier for the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana as they have the ability to spot the runs. This will also speed up the tempo of the game and become more relevant to Klopp’s structure. This is exactly what Klopp wants to see and if Sturridge stays fit he will make this team flourish.

![Clive Rose/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2016/01/499635028.jpg)

Klopp has every right to be infuriated with Sturridge due to his lack of playing time, but it would be wrong to give up on him so soon. On his day, the 26-year-0ld can link up excellently with the rest of the team and he is the only available striker who can adapt to Klopp’s philosophy.

The match at Southampton emphasises that; Sturridge marked a return by netting twice in a 6-1 win, and he has the ability to thrive under Klopp, unlike Benteke, who fans believe to be ‘too lazy’ and not living up to his £32.5m price tag. Benteke needs a strike partner alongside him, but that isn’t suited to Liverpool’s system. Sturridge has the ability to play on his own up top because he leads from the front with his movement and work-rate – and that can help dictate the game in the Reds’ favour. This is precisely what Klopp wants to see in his Liverpool side.

![Clive Rose/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2016/01/499617326.jpg)

Once he puts his plaguing injuries behind him there is always one guarantee with Sturridge: he will score goals. This cannot be said about any other Liverpool player, which is why he is too precious to lose. His clinical knack in front of goal cannot go amiss in a situation like this, averaging a goal every 1.6 games in comparison to Benteke who manages a goal in every 3.1 games played and Origi who has one in every four.

Just imagine if Sturridge was to be sold and the only realistic striking options were Benteke and Origi for the rest of the season? At least with Sturridge you still know there is someone to come back into the side, someone to be excited about and certainly someone who puts the ball in the back of the net.

Klopp has the bravery to sell high-calibre players as he did with Robert Lewandowski at Borussia Dortmund. But to do the same with Sturridge would break Liverpool fans’ hearts and could turn out to be a very regretful decision.