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Wednesday, 2 January 2013

Lets Get Behind Sturridge



Liverpool fans are amongst the most knowledgeable, vocal and passionate in football. Whenever the club is linked to a player a vast spread of opinion is voiced and this can heap huge pressure on new arrivals at Anfield. Players previously lauded for their class, promise and outstanding records fall flat in front of a sceptical Anfield audience.

Do we run the risk of offering new arrival Daniel Sturridge that same self defeating treatment? Sure, Sturridge is not an established star with am awesome record to marvel at. FSG however have laid out a strategy that prioritises balanced books and value for money.

I personally do not see how mortgaging the clubs future on huge signings with huge wage demands can be a way forward for the club. Expenditure must be justified by income, and without Champions league football Liverpool must learn to live within their means.

We do though run the risk of focusing on all the things Sturridge is not, as we have with many a player before him, without stopping to appreciate what he does offer. A quick, physical player with a genuine eye for goal Sturridge is the type of player who will link well with Suarez and Sterling.

I anticipate an understanding between the two which sees Sturridge playing off Suarez’s frenetic style. As Suarez pulls and stretches defences with his tricky play Sturridge can run into the spaces left. Although not playing a definitive central role the interchange in the front three may see either Sturridge or Suarez in the central position at the final phase of Liverpool passing moves.

To talk in terms of centre forward misses the point of tica taca style play. Positional interchange is key as seen by the more frequent forays forward enjoyed by Daniel Agger, Enrique and Johnson. What has been lacking in our offensive options is finishing ability and I do believe Sturridge offers an eye for goal thus far lacking.

We must face a reality in which £12 million is pretty cheap for a senior player with experience at the highest level. I for one hope the fans can give Sturridge the chance he deserves and not write him off before a ball is kicked in anger.

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