Report: Liverpool considering giving Sturridge a new deal

Daniel Sturridge has learnt a lot over his football career, however his most valuable lesson would have been in the last 12 months when he realised that the grass is not always greener on the other side.  

In a football sense, the striker was in no-mans-land at this point of the season last year.

As a player who had a great deal of confidence in his ability, Sturridge felt a change of scenery would help kickstart a career well and truly at the crossroads.

The English international still had ambitions of being named in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad, and with starting opportunities very limited at the Reds, felt the time was right to venture out on loan to West Brom.

It is fair to say that the move turned into a nightmare.

The 29 year-old who has had a catalogue of injuries in recent years, struggled to make it out onto the pitch for the Baggies, only making six appearances and failing to find the back of the net for the relegated Midlands side.

Widely seen as a certainty to be sold in the summer, Jurgen Klopp had other ideas, giving him another chance to prove himself.

Sturridge is someone whose body language is a tell tale sign of where his game is at.

The smiling, happy dancing figure constantly seen in his early days at the Reds, was replaced by a rather sad figure who it seemed did not enjoy being at the club.

However, knowing that he was still part of the managers' plans despite all what had transpired, Sturridge's change of attitude was evident from the pre-season. He looked like he'd gotten a full house playing Legs11 Bingo. 

A fitter, leaner Sturridge was desperate to prove the doubters wrong.

The smile and mojo was back, and so it proved on the pitch, scoring a goal in the first league game of the season against West Ham.

He has added three since including one of the goals of the season against Chelsea which preserved Liverpool's unbeaten record and could yet prove to be a vital point come May.

While he hasn't scored since that cracker at Stanford Bridge at the end of September, Sturridge has maintained a presence around the squad and importantly played a role when called upon.

For that reason, it is believed that the club are thinking about offering Sturridge a new deal when his current one ends at the end of the season.

The Mail reports that Sturridge has attracted interest from some top clubs in Europe including Sevilla and AC Milan along with big spending clubs in the Chinese Super League.

However both parties have no thoughts of parting during the January transfer window with Sturridge determined to play his role in helping the Reds claim a long awaited league title.

Barring a spate of injuries to the front three, the days of Sturridge being a consistent starter at the club are over.

However, a key element of having a strong and successful squad is making sure everyone is on the same page and willing to play a role.

If he can be happy in that role and continue to contribute valuable minutes while managing to stay fit, then a new deal is a smart bit of business for all concerned.