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Daniel Sturrridge Should Stop Making Excuses

By Damian Smith

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool looks on from the bench during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on January 28, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool looks on from the bench during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on January 28, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Daniel Sturridge has seen a dip in form recently, contributing to Liverpool’s awful start to the calendar year. Rio Ferdinand is saying what most people are thinking.

As Liverpool crashed out of their second crashed out of their second competition in less than a week, Daniel Sturridge continued to struggle in front of goal, in both cup competition and Premier League

Related Story: 5 Reasons Liverpool Are Struggling

Given that just a few short weeks ago the 27-year-old named himself as the “best striker that Jurgen Klopp has to choose from“, the bad form is very ill timed.

Since enjoying a strong 2013/14 season as part of the fabled SAS partnership with Luis Suarez in which Liverpool actually mounted a serious title challenge, Sturridge has struggled.

Sometimes it has been because of injury but mostly he just fails to live up to everyone’s expectation.

Former Red Devil happy to criticize

When it comes to pointing out flaws within Liverpool, you will find few more keen to do so than a Manchester United legend.

Rio Ferdinand enjoyed a trophy laden career with United, winning 6 Premier League titles, 6 Community Shield medals, 3 League Cups, 1 Champions League and a FIFA World Club Championship.

In his column for the Times, Ferdinand is quick to point out Sturridge’s shortcomings:

"“Top players don’t want to tell you about their stats.I hate it. Don’t talk, I don’t care. Just go and do it.My goal ratio is…’ I’m afraid talk can sound like weakness, like you’re making excuses.The top forwards I played with — Ronaldo, Rooney, Van Nistelrooy — just spoke in performances and goals.”"

Rio also believes Sturridge could learn a thing or two from one of Jose Mourinho’s signing… At Chelsea.

He added:

"“Sturridge needs look no further than across the tunnel at the Chelsea side to see an example he should follow: Pedro.People were hammering Pedro at the start of the season and now he’s one of Antonio Conte’s most important players and he has turned it round on the pitch, not by talking,More from Liverpool FC“Dreadful” Liverpool defender was shunned for being “miles off” vs WolvesLiverpool: Jurgen Klopp’s agent FINALLY addresses rumours he’ll leaveLiverpool will rival Manchester City for colossal Premier League defenderLiverpool are advancing in talks to extend the contract of “top professional”Liverpool lose captain for a further game after ban extended for “abusive” languagePedro’s a winner. He was integral to Barcelona’s great team; the first person to trigger their press in forward areas. He was a nightmare to play against.The way he has stood up to be counted at Chelsea is what Liverpool need not just from Sturridge but several other players in Mane’s absence.”"

Sturridge has been afforded more opportunities in the Liverpool team since Sadio Mane’s departure to the African Cup of Nations.

But with Senegal now eliminated he may find his playing time reduced once more. If he gets the chance against Chelsea on Tuesday, it will be vital for the Englishman to take his chances.

Next: Foeman calls for more youth development

Liverpool are currently 10 points behind the league leaders and many feel anything short of a victory will effectively kill off any hope the Reds still have for the title.

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