Daniel Sturridge has impressed Jürgen Klopp and fans alike pre-season, enough so for the Liverpool manager to decide to keep him on the books.
I don’t think anyone could question the quality of Daniel Sturridge. He’s still probably the 2nd best out-and-out striker at Liverpool. Sturridge’s problems start and end with injury, but those problems never seem to end.
Even when on loan to West Brom last season, Sturridge only made 6 appearances due to yet another spell on the sidelines.
https://twitter.com/DanielSturridge/status/1020272700474970114
Backup for Bobby
However, with Divock Origi and Danny Ings looking like they’re on the way out, Klopp could be left bare if he also sold Sturridge. Last season, Solanke was the main backup to Bobby Firmino, but he isn’t yet good enough to be the solid backup to the main man. Solanke has just 1 goal and 1 assist in the Premier League so far from 21 appearances.
There were no takers when Liverpool touted Sturridge to the market at £20million. One year later into his career and with 12 months left on his contract, the value would have to drop significantly. There isn’t much value for Liverpool by moving “Studge” on now. If, and it’s a big if, Sturridge can stay fit, there’s much more value in the goals he can bring.
Willing to adapt
A couple of seasons ago, Sturridge was reportedly unhappy with being played wide under Jürgen Klopp. This pre-season however, he has found himself dropping deeper “naturally rather than on instruction.” He has managed to score 3 goals in pre-season and is getting a lot of minutes.
Klopp is delighted not with his performances, but with his fitness. “Who Doubts Daniel Sturridge When He’s Fit?” Klopp asked recently. So it seems that Studge is back amongst the manager’s good books, as well as the goals. Whilst it is a huge vote of confidence, the question still contained the issue.
The Big “IF” of sticking with Sturridge
His injury list is so long, it’s almost impressive. The Liverpool striker has had 18 injuries over the past 9 years. (Quick maths 2 per year.) Those injuries have lasted 646 days, which equates to over two full seasons out. Daniel’s fight to stay fit also means he isn’t always available to train.
I’m probably not alone in hoping for a successful injury-free spell, as Studge is a wonderful talent, graceful and easy on the eye. If Liverpool can keep him injury free, the 28-year old could yet revive his career at Anfield. If not, Klopp and the Kop might find themselves investing up top, come January.