Striker uses internationals to push his case for Reds return.
Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge arrives before the match
International breaks are bemoaned by football fans around the world, especially from supporters of clubs who are in a good run of form like Liverpool.
Momentum is an increasingly important factor in football nowadays, and the Reds currently have that, winning their last four league games and going unbeaten in seven games overall since their defeat to Burnley in the middle of August.
So while this break comes at a bad time for Liverpool, one positive to come from the last few days is the return to the scoring sheet of Daniel Sturridge. The striker has been nothing more than a bit part player this season starting just three league games, and coming off the substitutes bench in another three games. His only goals for the club this season came in the third round EFL Cup clash against Burton Albion where he was also a substitute.
England’s Daniel Sturridge scores their first goal
Despite the lack of continuous game time, the striker has been a constant figure for the national team and on Saturday evening he proved his value yet again by opening the scoring in England’s 2-0 win over Malta. Although the opposition was not of a high standard, the 27 year-old looked lively in his time on the pitch and most importantly unhindered by any niggling injuries which have haunted him over the past couple of seasons.
Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge comes on as manager Juergen Klopp looks on
Sturridge is what you would describe as a ‘moody’ player and it is quite easy to see through his mannerisms as to what kind of frame of mind he is in. When he is struggling for form or indeed lacking fitness, his head drops, as does his work rate so much so that it is like having 10 men on the pitch. On the other side of things, when he scores a few goals, he mentality changes and becomes one of the most dangerous strikers in the league.
That is why the striker scoring on the weekend can be a big bonus for the club and a selection headache (albeit a nice one) for Jurgen Klopp before their big clash against Man United at Anfield next Monday evening. While Klopp has stuck to a fluid forward set-up which has seen Roberto Firmino play in the strikers’ role for the most part this season, having a fit and firing Sturridge is not something the German has had the luxury of too often in his tenure.
Daniel Sturridge celebrates after scoring the first goal for Liverpool
The test for Sturridge is to produce another strong performance on Tuesday night against Slovenia. If he does so, his spluttering season could get the kickstart it needs which will be a win-win situation for all concerned.
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