23 Jul 2018 13:34:31
Oh god, it’s happening again. For those of you who follow my posts closely (wait, none of you!?! ) you’ll know that I have an unhealthy man-crush on Daniel Sturridge. It was love at first sight for me; Sturridge scored on his debut coming off the bench against Utd; he played an important role in an improving Liverpool side ending the season with 10 Pl goals for Liverpool from just 1090 minutes of play. I loved the idea of a young English player, who had struggled to make his mark at Man City and Chelsea, coming to Liverpool, joining Rodgers’ revolution, and instantly being brilliant. My appreciation of the player turned into a full blown infatuation in the 13/ 14 season where, alongside Suarez, he was astonishing; his 22 PL goals, one every 104 minutes, was a world class return. Make no mistake, in the summer of 2014 Daniel Sturridge could be reasonably judged the equal of Liverpool’s most famous scoring legends, not only was he a deadly finisher and lightning fast, but he had a technique and trickery on the ball that was practically unheard of in England players.

It took 3 and half years for me to come to terms with the fact that I’d never see the 13/ 14 Studge play again; there’s no need to discuss his injuries, they’ve become cliché, even when he has been fit it’ become clear that Firmino is a far more suitable no.9 for Klopp’s primary game plan. When Studge left on loan for WBA I was sure his time was up and I wrote a long gushing post wishing him well in the future. But now, like the ex-girlfriend who knows she’s got you wrapped around her finger, Studge has started flirting with me again.

Firmino is top dog, I can have a legitimate argument whether he’s a world class striker, but there is no doubt that Firmino is perfect for how Klopp wants to see Liverpool play, but we need an alternative on the bench. There’s no indication that we plan to dip into the transfer market so that leaves Ings, Origi, Solanke, Brewster and Studge as the options. Ings wants to leave, he’s not making progress at Liverpool and deserves the chance to fulfil a career that promised much elsewhere. Origi seems to be going backwards, a player with the physical and technical attributes to succeed at Liverpool seems to have lost his way, even if was possible that he would find his form, Liverpool don’t want to have to rely on a player who may be spent. Solanke has good potential but he needs space to develop and he’s not going to get that at Liverpool this year. Brewster may have the highest ceiling of everyone but he’s still just a pup. That leaves Sturridge, if the last four years have taught me anything it’s that he’s going to break the instant we need him but he’s been our only striker who’s looked the part so far in pre-season and he and Keita combining looks very natural. It’s got me thinking ‘what if Studge can stay fit? What if Keita can keep finding him with through balls? What if he finds his mojo again and starts making defenders look dumb again? Could we get the happy ending I’ve waited four years for? ’. The rational side of me knows it’s going to end in disaster, he’ll probably be sold in the next few weeks and, if he isn’t, he’ll rupture some tendon on Sep 1st, but possibly, just possibly, everything will come together and the most talented Englishman of his generation will grace us again, wouldn’t that be amazing.


1.) 23 Jul 2018
23 Jul 2018 13:43:25
Groundhog Day Putney ( and it feels like it with my posts on him. ) he’ll be injured before September.


2.) 23 Jul 2018
23 Jul 2018 13:46:06
PR, we have asked the "‘what if Studge can stay fit? " too many times and we all know the answer to that. He was healthy as well during last preseason and did well then, only for the season to begin and for the same ol' story to crop up again. If I were you, I would hurry up AND wait, to see what happens.


3.) 23 Jul 2018
23 Jul 2018 13:47:29
I'm with you Putney. If you were selling a Sierra I would have bought it. For the asking price.

Is it me or does Danny look bigger now. Got a bullish look to his shoulders. Maybe there's a plan. His pace is gone but he still has the magic and strength will help. If anything bulk has to help with repetitive injuries? I dunno.

He looks good with keita though I agree.


4.) 23 Jul 2018
23 Jul 2018 13:53:58
I have similar feelings, PutneyRed. I absolutely love Sturridge. His skills, his confidence, his swagger, his sense of humour - I must have watched that interview he did with Sterling where he finds out his pace on Fifa over 100 times. He's too funny!

I am forever hopeful he will turn up again one of these seasons, and am one of probably very few who would like to see him stay at LFC and try to regain a role within the squad. Although realistically, for his own happiness, he may have to move on.

: (.


5.) 23 Jul 2018
23 Jul 2018 13:57:06
His debut was in the FA cup if i'm not mistaken wasn't it? I remember because I put a bet on him to score and won a decent amount of money.


6.) 23 Jul 2018
23 Jul 2018 14:18:56
He's on massive wages and never plays. Them wages could be going to a proper top player who actually contributes to The Club by playing football matches.


7.) 23 Jul 2018
23 Jul 2018 14:29:24
He played last night? Our best player probably.


8.) 23 Jul 2018
23 Jul 2018 15:12:16
Everyone agrees that Sturridge is a top class player. His quality is not in doubt.

But he will get injured a lot.

What he could have been. Sighs.


9.) 23 Jul 2018
23 Jul 2018 17:26:11
I can’t help feeling the same, Putney.

After what happened at West Brom, and coming back to LFC with our front 3 taking all the hype, I am starting to think he might flourish being our go-to guy when we need a goal.
Maybe settle into the elder statesmen role model for Solanke and Brewster?

I know, I know🤦‍♂️

Can’t remember the exact quote, but did anyone else see that bit yesterday before the match when they were changing wheels on that NASCAR?
He said something like “all they can ask is that I try my best”
That’s all we need Danny!