A criticism that has been levelled quite roundly at Daniel Sturridge the past few seasons is that he’s lost his legs.
The striker was known for his blistering pace in the 2013/14 season, but injuries since his peak have clearly seen him lose both his natural pace and perhaps just as importantly, his faith in his own body.
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But at the weekend against Burnley, Sturridge played the full 90 for the first time in a while and actually completed 53 sprints – a very high number for evern a 21-year-old forward.
The Daily Mail claimed:
“Daniel Sturridge is reaping the rewards for putting himself through his own ‘pre-pre-season’ when he spent his holidays working in the gym. Only midfielder James Milner ran more than his 6.6 miles while he was also among the top strikers this weekend for the number of sprints made (53)”
In our strongest starting XI this term, there’s unlikely to be a spot for the Englishman. Jurgen Klopp seems set on Roberto Firmino centrally, with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah either side – and with the manner in which they’ve impressed – this is understandable.
However, injuries and suspensions are commonplace at Liverpool and Sturridge will get his fair share of minutes this term.
If he starts scoring on a regular basis, it’ll be hard for the boss to leave him out…