The Times’ northern correspondent Paul Joyce had some very interesting things to say on today’s webchat about Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge.
Not only does he think the striker will have to leave Liverpool at some point because he’ll never be Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice, but he even suggested a move to the MLS for the starting English international.
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Here’s the transcript of what Joyce told today’s podcast:
I don’t think Sturridge will ever be Klopp’s number one. I wouldn’t be surprised if he looks to leave in the summer. Sturridge can’t have another season where he hardly plays. Liverpool would want a lot of money for him & that would limit the clubs.
Sturridge was linked with PSG, didn’t materialise. I felt sorry for him last night, it’s difficult to shine in that situation. I still think if Liverpool are to achieve anything this season, Sturridge will have his say. He’s still the best goalscorer.
Maybe the next 5 months can be mutually beneficial. Sturridge helps Liverpool & proves to someone he is worth taking the chance on. Coutinho, Firmino & Mané is Klopp’s preference and while they are around it will be difficult for Sturridge to get a regular run.
I could see Sturridge at LA Galaxy, but I hope he doesn’t go yet. It would feel a waste at this stage of his career.
While we don’t think Sturridge is anywhere near heading stateside, and similarly don’t think there’ll be a shortage of suitors for his signature – we can accept Joyce’s point about the forward’s long-term future being away from Klopp.
At the end of the day, it’s abundantly clear our manager doesn’t appreciate Sturridge’s overall contribution to the team enough to start him ahead of Roberto Firmino and sometimes even Divock Origi centrally.
At 27, Sturridge needs to be first-choice and his ego probably demands it too. He’s a wonderfully talented striker, but his five Premier League starts in 2016/17 don’t do his ability justice.
He’s trying to knuckle down, but is being given chances alongside kids in cup games predominantly. He can help us until the summer, but then it might be time for Sturridge to prove what he can do elsewhere.