How Daniel Sturridge could reverse Liverpool’s fortunes
A lot has been made Daniel Sturridge’s move to Liverpool. £12m is a lot of money for an inexperienced player, but it could prove to be one of the bargains of the seasons for Liverpool, who are desperate to life the burden from the enigmatic Luis Suarez.
After a promising start with three goals in three games, 23-year-old Sturridge is starting to justify his high price tag and settle into the starting eleven. His tap-in against Norwich City completed a resounding 5-0 rout, a result that could be seen as a turning point in a disappointing season. After a poor start, Liverpool now lie level with Arsenal in seventh, and Sturridge’s arrival seems to have galvanised the club into genuine Champions League contenders.
Sturridge’s arrival at the Merseyside giants raised a few eyebrows. After an indifferent spell at Manchester City and first season at Chelsea, the Birmingham born forward found even less playing time under Roberto Di Matteo, so a January move was natural. However those who questioned Sturridge’s ability should remember his spell at Bolton, where his eight goals were crucial in their survival. With good pace, dribbling and finishing ability, Sturridge has proved a nightmare for defenders; and it seemed it was only a matter of time until he fulfilled his potential at a top club.
The biggest problem for Sturridge in recent years has been through managers playing him out of position, in a system he was not suited to. Andre Villas Boas frequently played Sturridge on the wing, a position he was adequate in, but could not excel. For Great Britain’s Olympic team, Sturridge was played as a loan striker, where he again struggled to make an impact.
Sturridge’s best position is a second striker or part of a front duo. His problem in recent years has been managers being reluctant to play two forwards, leaving Sturridge either by himself or on the wing. However, the Liverpool move seems to have been a turn in fortunes, and Sturridge has already linked up well with Luis Suarez to form one of the deadliest strike forces in the Premiership.
Suarez often seems to have been the cause and answer to all of Liverpool’s problems of late, but Sturridge’s arrival could Liverpool to get the best out of their star man. Suarez has suffered from a lack of service and support, which has led to the Uruguayan tiring himself, creating his own chances. Sturridge’s pace and ability should help Suarez and also provide Liverpool, a team struggling for goals, with some much needed fire power.
Sturridge is still young, but this could be the start of something special at Anfield, and his high-priced transfer already seems to be money well spent.
Will Mata
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