IS it time, yet again, to reprise our thinking on Daniel Sturridge? There were plenty of positives that came from Tuesday’s FA Cup exit at West Ham — none more so than the striker’s 60-minute cameo from the bench.
Sturridge’s unreliability is well-documented and the conundrum remains as difficult as ever to resolve. There are no guarantees that his newly-found fitness will persist but the level of his performance begs the question: How does Jürgen Klopp maximise his key asset between now and the end of the season?
Football is a results game and if Sturridge can help get him wins, Klopp should be inclined to squeeze every last drop from a Liverpool player who so far has offered him no more than nuisance value.
It is too simple to accept that we just cash in our chips and cut our losses on a player who has been largely unavailable for a season-and-a-half. If Klopp wants to sell, then who are the takers? And what is the market value for a player whose injury record goes before him?
Even if a frustrated, perplexed manager is dead set on moving him on, or as reported recently by some that the player wants out, Klopp can still use Sturridge in establishing a platform for his own success beyond this campaign. It is hard to imagine the manager wouldn’t want him in the starting line-up against Manchester City at Wembley in a fortnight’s time.
To say there is ambiguity on Klopp’s view of Sturridge’s ongoing travails is an understatement.
The manager admits he knows little of the striker’s quality at first hand, notwithstanding the brace of goals at Southampton and a further glimpse of his excellence the other night.
From the outside looking in, as we construe the non-committal fitness updates, it seems the manager shares a long-held mistrust of the player’s mentality with regard to fitness. If there is any clarity, it is that Klopp demands of Sturridge consistent training before he gives him an extended opportunity to demonstrate his worth. Fair enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLDiODdTfaA
In the eyes of the fans, too, the majority seem to have given up on him already — suspicion growing with each setback and each report of niggle after niggle. To an extent, Sturridge is caught up in the desire to write off all of the previous manager’s signings, such was the overall paucity of our recruitment under the last regime. Fans also want to move on from the painful dying embers of 2013/14.
The cynicism towards the player has grown with every glimpse of him lording it in his executive box; looking on while lesser talents at least attempt to earn their corn. If Sturridge has faith in God, it’s a trust not universally shared by Liverpudlians in this footballer. Harsh but true.
As ever though, when Sturridge gets on to the field of play, it is all too tempting for us to revise our opinion. Klopp, when reminded of his ability, will be similarly wooed.
When he came on at Upton Park, it was as though a light had been switched on; one which could yet illuminate Liverpool’s season. The Reds’ patchwork team had done well; they had competed and matched a stronger West Ham blow for blow. Sturridge though instantly looked the best player on the pitch and within five minutes Liverpool grew increasingly potent and dangerous.
All season we’ve seen honest endeavour amount to very little. We’ve watched an improved work ethic add little to our attacking threat. We’ve seen Emre Can chug along in midfield, putting in stint after stint; his hangdog expression betraying a lack of enjoyment.
We’ve watched the once-imaginative Adam Lallana resemble an obedient Labrador forever chasing an imaginary stick. We’ve witnessed a lame Jordan Henderson dutifully doing his shuttles in pain to little effect. All three players mentioned are good honest footballers with only half of Sturridge’s talent; players who put in the hard yards but only excel in the presence of better footballers.
Sturridge was immediately full of inspiration with only the merest hint of a lack of match sharpness. Suddenly defenders were backing off, retreating in fear as he started running at goal.
One mazy dribble took out three players; another purposeful run ended with a rapier shot announced with zero backlift. From deep, there were insightful reverse passes aplenty stretching the Londoners’ rearguard. As the Reds began to probe down the flanks, with Brad Smith and Jon Flanagan augmenting the attack, Daniel was making near-post runs; a goalscorer’s stock in trade. It was like he had never been away.
If you’re only as good as your last game, Sturridge is still very good — sufficiently exceptional to make allowances conceded only to special players.
It is still a big if, but IF, by some miracle, his body has suddenly hardened or, if you prefer, his resolve and determination improved by a sterner approach and tougher sessions behind the scenes, Liverpool could suddenly be a different proposition.
An endlessly stuttering, impotent unit could easily be transformed into a team carrying a threat on the counter, and imagination when enjoying the lion’s share of possession.
Sturridge’s impact on other players was palpable. Christian Benteke, some glaring misses aside, suddenly looked more mobile. Deferring to Sturridge while his confidence remains in tatters, there were signs of a partnership that showed Benteke in a more positive light.
The Belgian looked capable at least of offering an effective foil, while still currently striving for anything approaching top form. The notion of an improving Roberto Firmino and a recovering Philippe Coutinho finally operating in more natural, midfield roles behind two strikers is an exciting, almost revolutionary prospect against the backdrop of the last 18 months.
Klopp can’t guarantee Sturridge will be fit every week but he can do his best to manage him effectively over the coming three months. In the first instance, he can manage his quota of games as the striker seeks to prove a more lasting influence. More time on the training ground and extension of the apparent “pre-season” that has brought him to a modicum of fitness will now be feasible as the fixture list eases. If it is time for Sturridge to buckle down, then equally it is Klopp’s responsibility to give him a clean slate and assess his worth on what he sees from here on in.
Part of the challenge will be managing the relationship between the two.
Bill Shankly refused to even speak with injured players, but things have changed. The constant badgering of Klopp for updates on Sturridge’s health has been a visible annoyance to the German. Rumours hint that Sturridge isn’t happy at the way he is being portrayed, if not by the manager, through briefings issued by the club.
With Klopp previously countering Sturridge’s claims on social media that he was fit, it is inevitable that some tensions will exist. Klopp’s challenge is to use any angst to fire up the player and get him on the pitch with a point to prove. It wouldn’t be the first time a manager has used disharmony to good effect.
Klopp might even consider using reverse psychology by fostering any issues that exist between them and still putting him on the team sheet. There will be more to Klopp’s man-management than a beaming smile and an arm round the shoulder. In the case of Sturridge, perhaps creating a mutually beneficial stand-off has been the intention all along; to facilitate a medium-term exit strategy.
Games and goals between now and May will restore some of Sturridge’s market value and give both sides a bargaining position to assess all options fairly at the end of the season. Klopp the pragmatist will then be looking to decide between a last hurrah and a stay of execution — if Sturridge can stay fit.
There, we’ve said it again.
In the meantime, an extended glimpse of the Daniel Sturridge we saw on Tuesday could put an entirely different slant on Liverpool’s season.
Liverpool needs Daniel Sturridge, more than ever, even if he mightn’t be on the pitch a lot
We have enough footballers that aren’t good enough, we can’t sell our best one
It’d be good to ease him into some fitness with the remainder of this season
We’ve got 3 games until the cup final Incl one away in Germany 11 days before.
I’d think 60 agst Villa, same in Germany against Augsburg then rest him up for 11 days before Wembley.
I’d say 15-30 vs. Villa, 90 vs. augsburg, 15-30 vs. augsburg2 (or even zero depending on first leg result) and then 90-120 in cup final.
If he does stay fit, I pray he won’t be selected for the Euro’s.
Intl footie this summer is a real pain in the arse for Klopps plans for next season if everyone gets fit in the next couple of weeks – Olympics, EUROs and Copa America mean we could potentially lose Firmino, Coutinho, Allen, Can, Sturridge, Lallana, Henderson, Clyne, Flannagan, Benteke, Origi, Skrtel, Lovren, Sakho for a decent chunk of pre-season.
Bloody hell. Oh well, I guess the positive is that we have a Summer of football to look forward to in that case.
I see no point in selling him. Bearing in mind it’s the most important position on the pitch I’d buy another striker and hope for the best. If resources don’t allow that kind of extravagance then sell Benteke for £20m and add £10m to that for a replacement. Sometimes in life you have to gamble and this is one of those times.
I don’t get why some want him sold. I mean, why? His wages? Really? A talent anywhere near his level isn’t likely to come around even if you reinvest that money and some.
Oh, and this article jinxed it for sure. You do this every time he makes a comeback! Give it tiiiime lads. A year or so is only a short period.
To be honest it is quite simple what Klopp thinks about Sturridge. All the same we do (lots of talent & injuries). The problem with Sturridge is, that there is a psychological component to it. Klopp simply wants him to toughen up and be less of a hyped primadonna, which is fair. Of course, his injuries have been serious, but nonetheless it can be become a self-fulfilling prophecy, if you don’t toughen up and think of something else apart from your own injuries instead. – Of course, his status being challenged makes Sturridge initially angry. But he will also reap the benefits, if he accepts the challenge.
Why would we sell our only world-class player?
Play him then wrap him up in cotton wool until the next game. Paul Dalglish seemed to know what to do with him. The club needs to stop fucking briefing against him: it doesn’t do the player or the club any favours.
We have a whole team of “Piano Carriers” and we missed this special piano player Danny Boy for the past 2 seasons or so.
With him in the team and his movement our another piano player Phil can improve his magical powers easily/consistently. Not forgetting, Can/Allen can make ‘world class’ passes too with Danny Boy’s movement upfront.
Besides those two piano players, who else do we have in the current team?; (Bobby is not consistent enough just yet).
When he is fit, I would rank him equal to ManC forward; and ahead of Spurs and Leicester #9’s.
Simple really, give him some greater responsibility, he’s a quality player and a natural leader, make him captain and see if his injuries suddenly dissolve due to a greater sense of obligation
I think Klopp’s approach has been to build the desire within Sturridge to play regularly. I think he perceived (right or wrongly I couldn’t say) that Sturridge is like the guy from work that does pretty well when he’s on hand, but calls in sick a little more than you would like. That is what was behind the “mini pre-season” thing. Seriously, have you ever heard of any other footballer being put through that without a specific injury rehab going on?
Now Europe is about to start again and guess which match will be Sturridge’s first start? I could be wrong of course, but I think that match at Augsburg will show us who Klopp thinks make up his first-choice XI, and Sturridge undoubtedly will be chosen (with Coutinho and Firmino accompanying, I hope). Time will tell if he has gotten inside Sturridge’s head in a good way. No doubt about the fact, as many have stated here, that we need him on the park.
not sure how Klopp would set up for this first leg of Europa tie.
During Rafa’s time, it was clear. Away: clean sheet, counter attack, odd away goal. At Home:…attack
‘If you can’t play then you are no use to Liverpool Football Club’ said Shankly. If Sturridge can’t prove his fitness then a parting of the ways and a fresh start all round is needed
With about 95% of the squad then I would agree with your sentiment entirely.
But we are talking about possibly the most naturally talented striker in the league.
His fresh start is only ever going to be at Spurs or Arsenal
He plays for 50% of a season with either of those squads as they are, and they are winning the league
Just seems like madness to contemplate letting that sort of talent go.
I said this after Gibbo’s match ratings, but worth repeating:
Just keep gambling on him all day long
Does anyone remember RVP being on/off injured for about 6 years at Arsenal?
Wenger gave up on him, Fergie took a punt, RVP stays fit, United win a title.
Keep him until he is 38. Strikers win leagues!
agree. Most natural striker since Fowler. Keep him till he retires… (or 90mil offer from Barca?)
I want to see him doing that rubbish dance 5 times a season at QPR. Bored with him now.
Brilliant player,keep the faith
Sturridges market value is entirely dependent upon his fitness and availability. There is always some manager who fancies himself as a ‘people person’ whose ego tells him he can find the key to recalcitrant personalities, a la Balo, but Sturridge is more complex than that. Thinking you are injured is the same as being injured. We could sell him now for bugger all to a club which will take a punt on him, but if he gets back to anything like his S&S form – with a clear psyche – his value would be stratospheric.
Daniel sensibly not going to take a leaf out of Fernando Torres’ book and allow himself to be physically ruined by coming back from injury too early again and again, only to be sold on and hung out to dry in the process.
It’s maddening — I keep changing my mind about Daniel Sturridge. The only thing more maddening is our squad’s general inconsistency. It’s like one week they really know how to play football, and 6-7 days later they all have amnesia and have forgotten everything they ever learned!
But for a player to be pretty much off the game pitch for about 18 months and then look a real threat within 5 minutes of coming back on, as Mike said — well that’s a special talent we should think very carefully about selling off to a competitor. It made me feel happy to see Sturridge looking very happy in candid photos taken at Melwood Friday. He hasn’t smiled like that for a long time. It made me think “Where could we reasonably be if a happy and relaxed Daniel Sturridge could manage to score 15-16 goals in 13 remaining League games?”
Daniel Sturridge is such a good footballer it actually pains me. I feel like I’ve been crocked for a season and a half just worrying about him.
Thinking about him and also how Carragher finds a way to stop the 0-2 and 3-3 against Chelsea and Palace from happening if he delays his retirement a year (or what a suspended Jordan Henderson could have done) keeps me up nights. You can add how that shithead Mignolet let a nonce score in his final game last week to that list now as well.
Fuck. Just remembered Kolo passing it to Anichebe… That’s today ruined then.