2018/19 Season Report Card - Daniel Sturridge

Having looked like his Anfield days were coming to a close when he joined West Brom on loan last season, Daniel Sturridge had an epiphany of sorts and set about showing Jurgen Klopp that he still had a part to play.

Sturridge had chosen to move to the Baggies last January in an attempt to force his way into England’s World Cup squad, but he had a miserable time of it at the Hawthorns and barely played due to injury. It was beginning to look like he was finished. He just couldn’t stay fit. That spell with West Brom showed Sturridge a glimpse into his future and he didn’t like it. Suddenly he realised what he had at Anfield and he didn’t want to give that up.

He came back for pre-season fit and strong. He looked razor sharp too, and with the space of a few weeks he’d done enough to have Klopp tell people that he was going nowhere and had a part to play. He had a great pre-season and hit it off immediately with Naby Keita. Those two were tearing it up in the first few friendly games.

Studge looked fitter than he has for years and he made some good contributions early part of the season. He scored on the opening day against West Ham after coming off the bench. He started against PSG in the Champions League and Chelsea in the League Cup and scored in both games. A few days later he came off the bench and grabbed a stunning late equaliser at Chelsea. Then after that he did nothing. I mean look at this. It says it all really....

Granted, he didn’t have many opportunities to start but part of that was his own doing. He was given a start in the cup against Wolves and looked like he’d rather have been anywhere else but there. In contrast, Divock Origi was out there desperately trying to show that he deserved more of a chance. And guess what? The player who wanted to try and impress the manager to earn an opportunity, actually got that opportunity. The one who ambled around looking completely disinterested wasn’t seen again for weeks.

His entire season was like the reverse of Origi's. I wonder what he must have been thinking when Divock was Origi'ing the shit out of everyone in the last few weeks of the season. I'm sure he was happy for his team-mate, but he wouldn't be human if there wasn't the odd thought of "that could have been me".

A lot probably comes down to performance in training, but from the outside I'd certainly use that cup game at Wolves as a big reason as to how the season played out so differently for Origi and Sturridge, and I'd be using that as a teaching moment to any fringe players who get a chance in the cups next season.

Sturridge was out in the cold for a while after that game, although his improved performance level in training did earn him a couple of starts late in the season and he did ok without really shining. His lack of speed now is just so glaring, especially in a team that places as much emphasis on running and energy as this one does. He was a great player once but injuries robbed us of what would have been a fine Liverpool career.

A real shame, but at least he gave us that stunning late equaliser at Chelsea to remember him by, and seeing him do the dance one last time in front of the fans in Madrid did make me a little emotional.

It’s been a series of ups and downs with Sturridge. There were times I loved him and times I’d have happily sent him packing to whoever would take him. Ultimately, it all came down to his body just not being able to handle the demands placed on it. At his best he was a phenomenal talent. A great finisher as well as a good footballer. With a tiny bit more luck he’d have won the league with us twice. In the end, he had to settle for a Champions League win, two second placed finishes and three runners up medals in various cups.

Sturridge’s career at Anfield was very much a case of what might have been, but he still leaves us with some sensational goals and great moments. Thanks for the memories Studge, and best of luck.

Rating 6 / 10

Went out with a trophy but also with a whole heap of “if only”. Could have been one of the greats if his body had allowed it.

Best Moment:

That goal at Chelsea. Stunning.

Worst Moment:

Half arsing his way around Molyneux in the FA Cup.

The Future:

I’ve thought for some time he’s got LA Galaxy written all over him. If he doesn’t go there this summer, it’s only a matter of time.