Damon Savenelli discusses how Daniel Sturridge can become the best striker in England.
Many Liverpool fans were extremely excited when Daniel Sturridge first signed for Liverpool back in 2013. An exciting, young, footballer, Sturridge came with a decent goal scoring record and an eye for goal. Having played for Manchester City and Chelsea, Sturridge had already made his mark on the Premier League. When Liverpool secured the Englishman’s signature for £12 million, fans could not wait to see what kind of player he would become.
Sturridge’s Liverpool career got off to a good start with the England international scoring 3 goals in his first 3 appearances. But the 2013/14 season is where Sturridge really started to shine. It started with him winning the Barclays Premier League player of the month in August. He also went on to become only the second player in Premier League history to score in eight straight matches. Luis Suarez and Sturridge formed a lethal partnership. Liverpool’s number 15 ended the season with a tally of 21 goals, finishing second in the race for the Golden Boot, runner up to none other than Luis Suarez.
Ever since that season Sturridge has not been nearly as lethal. Fitness issues have stalled the forward’s past two seasons. Now 26, Sturridge is in his prime and many Liverpool fans are expecting big things from him this season. Fans are longing for another season where Sturridge can bag 20+ goals. He has it in him, it just comes down to whether or not he can stay fit.
Whether it was his knee or hamstring, the 2015-2016 was an injury littered season for Liverpool’s main man. With Sturridge going back and forth between the pitch and trainer’s table, many fans were growing incredibly frustrated. Some were even calling for the striker to be sold in the next transfer window. Press conference after press conference, Klopp was asked for an update on the striker’s fitness. Klopp often reiterated how the coaching staff was putting Sturridge through a mini preseason. Sturridge was taking his time, making sure he was 100% fit before he returned to the pitch. After missing a total of about 3 and a half months, Sturridge finally returned to action. It seemed as though Klopp’s routine worked as Sturridge was able to stay fit for the rest of the season.
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The former Chelsea and Manchester City forward ended last season with 11 goals in all competitions. Sturridge still showed spurts of greatness scoring a world class goal in the Europa League final against Sevilla. If he is able to stay fit, the 26 year old will be one of the best strikers in England. Sturridge’s impressive goal scoring record shows just how lethal he can be.
This past season saw Sturridge score his 50th goal in a Liverpool shirt. Making him the fourth quickest Red to score 50 goals. With 50 goals in 87 appearances, Sturridge surpasses the likes of Luis Suarez (91), Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler who took 91, 93 and 94 games respectively to reach the milestone.
There is no doubt that Sturridge possesses an uncanny ability to find the back of the net, and on his day, is one of the best strikers in England. With Jürgen Klopp’s new training methods and Mona Nemmer and Andreas Kornmayer joining Liverpool’s coaching staff, hopefully Sturridge can find a way to stay fit. A fit and firing Daniel Sturridge will bring Liverpool to new heights, fans will just have to wait and see if he can stay healthy for the entire season.