The Reds legend believes it would unwise to allow this star to leave Anfield in January.
Liverpool legend Ian Rush has told Omnisport that it would be “wrong” of the club to allow Daniel Sturridge to leave in January as he believes he is the best natural finisher at Anfield, as reported by the Daily Express.
Sturridge’s future is a matter of some speculation this season as he has found himself on the fringes of Jurgen Klopp’s squad, with the German boss generally preferring Roberto Firmino in the leading role.
In fact, the English striker has played just 11 times for the Reds so far this term, starting just four Premier League games, and all four of his club goals this campaign have come in the EFL Cup.
He is now generally considered to be behind both Firmino and Divock Origi in the pecking order, and that has led to talk that he could be sold in January.
However, with Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane currently out injured and a hectic run of fixtures on the horizon, Rush believes it would be foolish of Klopp and Liverpool to allow Sturridge to depart next month.
He told Omnisport, as reported by the Express: “For me I think it would be wrong if Liverpool got rid of him because for me he’s a great finisher. Not just him but so is Firmino, Coutinho, [Divock] Origi and Mane.
“They’re all needed – it’s not just the 11 on the pitch, it’s the 19 to 21 players, throughout the season – when they get asked to do it and when they come in, they do the job.
“Daniel Sturridge is a team player. When you get there it’s about taking that chance and I’m sure his chance will come. For me he’s a major part for Liverpool football club.
“He’s probably the most gifted finisher we have. He’s a fantastic player, fantastic finisher and I’m sure when he’s fit he’ll make himself available. Think you’ve got Mane going away to AFCON in January and I think Daniel Sturridge will play a major part in Liverpool’s run-in.”
Even when not being regularly selected, Sturridge is undoubtedly a high-class player to have in a match-day squad.
His goal record at Anfield speaks for itself. He has scored 57 times in 103 appearances for Liverpool, a ratio of comfortably better than a goal every other game when fit.
Though his playing time has often been limited by injuries and fitness issues, this season is arguably the first in which he has not been a first-choice starter, and it remains to be seen whether he will elect to stay and fight for his place or push for a new challenge.
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