Liverpool hero Ian Rush has told Daniel Sturridge not to ‘sulk’ and force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s first-team plans through ability and effort.
What’s the story?
Rush, Speaking exclusively to 888sport, had his say on a range of topics surrounding his old club, with Sturridge’s situation high on the agenda.
In relation to the striker, who has started just four times in the Premier League this season, he said: “We’re going to need Daniel Sturridge. He’s got to be patient and his time will come. He’s the best finisher at the club and he’s absolutely superb but he needs to get his head down and get on with it.
“Sulking doesn’t help anyone. He will get a chance and he’s got to take them when they come. He has to create a problem for the manager and if you’re in a sulk you’re just making it easy for the manager.
“In my opinion, he should stay because he’s got a big part to play at Liverpool. It would be harder for Liverpool to win the league if Daniel Sturridge left the club.â€
Is he sulking?
Sturridge cannot be happy with his current situation, after all, no player of the 27-year-old’s calibre will be content watching on from the sidelines, while the goal-filled football the club are playing is likely to be irking him further.
The player himself has not voiced major concerns, but images of him looking less than pleased circulated when he was on the bench during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over West Brom
Does Sturridge have a role to play this season?
Despite not being a key figure in Klopp’s XI, it’s hard to see the rest of the season panning out as it has done so far for the England international. Sturridge’s only goals have come in League Cup action thus far against Burton and Spurs, but despite this he’s still regarded as one of the best finishers around, as Rush alluded to. Indeed, he’s looked pretty sharp in recent weeks when introduced from the bench in league action, with only the post (twice) denying him a goal in the 6-1 beating of Watford – his cross almost laid on what would have been a vital goal for Nathaniel Clyne against Southampton on Saturday, too.
All in all, he seems to be making a concerted effort to be a part of Klopp’s plans, with his movement and energy levels having looked improved of late, and Sadio Mane’s January exit to represent Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations will open a slot in the XI up, which he and Divock Origi are seemingly battling to fill.
Read the full 888sport interview with Ian Rush,Âincluding why he thinks Philippe Coutinho is the best player in the Premier league this season
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