2018/19 Season Report Card - Daniel Sturridge

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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.

 

 

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[TheHowieLama]

Surprised he didn't receive an "Incomplete"

[Butch]

He was fantastic when he came first but he's been made of straw in the last few seasons. I loved how he never lost the ball and knew where the net was. 

One of my favourite players in his prime but robbing a wage for too long now. Thank you for the memories but don't bang your arse on your way out the door. 

[dylstar]