We’d almost forgotten what it felt like to watch Daniel Sturridge at his dynamic best; offering an option behind, finishing brilliantly and linking up effortlessly with team-mates.
In fact, we, like many other Reds (and maybe Jurgen Klopp), had begun to write the striker off – but against West Ham, he proved us wrong.
Liverpool purred, with Sturridge partnering Divock Origi in a 4-3-1-2 formation. Not only did the Englishman score our crucial opener, but he was involved in nearly everything good we did offensively.
And today, This is Anfield’s Jack Lusby pointed out that the 19 chances we created at the London Stadium was the most since Sturridge last started a Premier League game for Liverpool…
Liverpool created 1️⃣9️⃣ chances vs. West Ham—their most in the league since Daniel Sturridge’s last start against Sunderland on Jan 2. #LFC pic.twitter.com/lUmWO6Qa34
— Jack Lusby (@jacklusby_) May 15, 2017
That’s a crazy stat, considering we actually only drew that game (away to Sunderland) and have since battered the likes of Everton, Arsenal and Spurs at Anfield.
The question now, of course, regards Sturridge’s future. A fit and healthy Sturridge is one of the best strikers in the country – hands down – but it’s looking less likely that such a thing even exists…
Do we gamble on him for another season, or cash in now and hope a potential replacement can provide the same kind of class – just more regularly?