Daniel Sturridge has spent most of his football career in recovery and training. A team sheet with his name on it has become a rarity for quite some time.
The talented striker from Birmingham began his career at the Aston Villa youth academy before making the switch to Manchester City. He was described by his youth coaches as a robust, pacy winger with an eye for goal and with a bright future ahead. Fast forward to today, and we sympathize with Sturridge for what could have been.
Injuries are difficult to shake off. It requires mental resilience to overcome the jitters. As for Sturridge, injuries have plagued him for quite some time. Every tackle he goes into leaves fans fearing for the worst, such is his fragility.
We may be witnessing another case of talent being wasted by injuries. Let’s hope not!
Much of the preseason focus was on Liverpool’s transfer activity. Having signed Salah and Solanke, it was obvious that Klopp wanted to consolidate his front line, which already consists of the deadly trio of Mane, Salah and Firmino.
Another positive from the pre-season is Daniel Sturridge’s involvement.
When Jurgen Klopp was asked about Daniel Sturridge during the pre-season, he said: “It’s the best condition since I came in. I came in on October 2015 and Daniel was not sure – I think he was probably injured. Last season after a tournament it’s always a short break. But he is now in good physical shape.”
Those are indeed promising words as Klopp needs a player of Sturridge’s calibre to strike further fear to the opposition.
Sturridge’s best season so far, under Brendan Rodgers in 2013/14 shows just how dangerous he is if kept fit.
In the current scenario, it seems mightily tough for anyone to disrupt the Liverpool front 3, as Firmino, Salah and Mane have posed a lot of problems for the opposition defenders. Dan will have to be eased into the squad before considering him for the bigger mix of things. He will have to settle for a place on the bench, and the occasional second half cameo for the meantime.
When fit, he could be another striking option up front, preferably in place of Firmino as a #9.
Jurgen Klopp has had a mixed start to this season. He’s witnessed his team brandish a 4-0 thrashing to Arsenal, and fall 5-0 to Manchester City in consecutive game weeks. Would it finally be Sturridge’s time to take up the teams’ mantle with Mane’s absence? Maybe.
But one thing is for sure, Daniel Sturridge will have to make the most of such opportunities if he is to stake a claim for a starting spot anytime soon.
