There’s been plenty of suggestions that despite his talents, Daniel Sturridge just isn’t a Jurgen Klopp type of striker.
The manager dropped our star centre-forward and went with Divock Origi in a couple of big games last term, and has also shows a penchant for using the hard-working, space-closing Roberto Firmino centrally as well.
Sturridge is our best finisher and our most skilful forward, but thankfully – Klopp has told fans that he appreciates the Englishman’s skills and doesn’t want him to adapt into a ‘defensive’ forward.
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“I don’t want to transform Daniel into a marathon runner,” Klopp told the Echo.
“I hope that we defend so smart that we won’t have to always run like devils.
“I saw we broke some records at Arsenal with running but it is more that you’re always able to make the right decisions.
“In football, what you don’t have in your mind, you have in your legs. So then you run and have to close the gaps, but it is not always about the highest intensity.
“I do not want Daniel Sturridge running like whoever. I want to use his skills.
“I know about his quality. Our game is not a problem for Daniel.”
Whether we see the 26-year-old from the offset today against Burnley is uncertain.
Sturridge is fit again, but Firmino did very well as the focal point of the attack against Arsenal and few would argue if he got the nod again.
Sturridge won’t like being on the bench, and in fairness – it’s kind of a win/win situation for supporters – with both Firmino and Sturridge top attackers and Divock Origi an equally exciting option.