The Liverpool striker has not had the best of seasons so far.
In an interview with Bwin Sport, Don Hutchison has admitted that Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge frustrates him, but claims that endeavour is the only thing stopping him from being an “absolute great”.
With 13 points from six games and 16 goals, Liverpool are absolutely flying this season but the same cannot be said for some of their players, including Sturridge.
The England striker has netted twice in six appearances in all competitions, but both goals came away to Burton Albion in the League Cup, when the Reds were already winning 3-0.
He appears to have fallen out of favour under manager Jurgen Klopp for Premier League outings, and it remains to be seen when and if he will win his place in the first XI back.
From the outside looking in, Sturridge and Klopp’s working relationship could perhaps be better, but Hutchison believes he could be a serious asset for the German and the club if he worked a little harder.
“It’s frustrating to watch Sturridge because you know how much ability he has and I think this explains some of the comments from Klopp,” he told Bwin Sport.
“If he showed the same sort of endeavour as Sadio Mane, Divock Origi and Lallana, he’d be considered an absolute great – but I just worry he’s too laid back.
“He’s a super talent but maybe the Premier League isn’t the best fit for him. His laid back style could be more suited to La Liga or another continental division that doesn’t have the same intensity.”
Indeed, Sturridge certainly has an abundance of talent but, at 27, there is a sense that he is not making the absolute most of it, but time will tell whether he has the gumption to fight his way back into regular lineups under Klopp.
Chelsea’s Gary Cahill in action with Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge
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