Liverpool fans had some news to rejoice when the Reds lined up to play Norwich in the Premier League. Their star striker Daniel Sturridge got his first start of the season as he looked forward to helping the team to a victory. Sturridge though didn’t get on the score sheet, but he did have a couple of good chances though rustiness in front of goal did hamper his ability in front of goal.
The Liverpool forward played only 60 minutes of the game and is still not fit enough to last a game, but the good news for Liverpool fans would be that their top goal scorer is back and hopefully should be banging the goals in. There is also another twist in the tale as Sturridge isn’t the only high-profile striker at the club now and that dynamic could be crucial as Liverpool try to get back into the Champions League.
Pace and great finishing by Sturridge
Sturridge had suffered four separate injuries over the last year, his problems started last September when he returned from England duty and he hasn’t recovered from them at all. Liverpool had to give him extended time to get fit and hopefully he should last the season for the Reds.
Liverpool on their part did not wait for the England star to stay fit and brought in Christian Benteke for £32 million and the two strikers would have to build and understanding to perform at their best. Liverpool needed someone to bring the pace into the frontline and Sturridge is exactly the kind of player who can do that. He also has great finishing ability, something that Liverpool have missed for a long time. The Reds also brought in Firmino from the Bundesliga who can play behind the strikers and provide them with chances.
The pairing of Benteke and Sturridge could be a throwback to the big man little man partnership, of course Sturridge isn’t ‘little’ by any means but Benteke’s strength and aerial ability should allow Sturridge to thrive with the knock-ons. Sturridge though is someone who prefers the ball to be played at his feet and he doesn’t really have a big man – little man partnership mentality, fixing this would be something that Rodgers might have to do.
Sturridge also will be incredibly hungry to get back on the pitch and scoring. He has missed several games and nothing frustrates a player more than being out of the team due to an injury. Daniel needs to be patient and Liverpool fans have to be patient as well.
Sturridge has just come back from a long injury layoff and expecting him to hit the ground running is expected too much from the English striker. His true ability should come out once he has played a few games and hopefully for Liverpool fans, he builds a partnership with Benteke which could be one of the most lethal pairings in the Premier League this season. It all depends on him staying fit, that would be the biggest concern for every Liverpool fan.