Jurgen Klopp says Daniel Sturridge can be a
“decisive player” for Liverpool after impressive
displays from the injury-plagued striker in pre-
season matches.
Sturridge, 28, went to West Brom on loan in
January but was injured early on and managed
just six appearances.
With 12 months left on his contract it appeared
Sturridge’s Anfield career was over but he has
looked sharp in his five friendly games and
Klopp, who became frustrated by the player’s
unavailability last season, is prepared to hand
him a lifeline.
“We’re not in doubt — and nobody was ever in
doubt — about his quality,” the Liverpool
manager told liverpoolfc.com.
“In this moment he looks really good to be
honest. That’s cool — really cool for him and
cool for us. (It’s) a very important moment for
him. I am in talks with him, what he feels.
“I don’t want to make him the most physically
strong player in the squad or whatever.
“The most physically strong player in the squad
cannot play football like Daniel Sturridge and he
has no possibility to be that, to be the marathon
man of the team, but he can be a very decisive
player.”
Sturridge could be in line to start the Premier
League campaign at home to West Ham on
August 12, with Roberto Firmino and new
goalkeeper and fellow Brazil international Alisson
only rejoining the squad at next week’s training
camp in France.
Liverpool are currently taking part in the
International Champions Cup in the United
States.
AFP
“decisive player” for Liverpool after impressive
displays from the injury-plagued striker in pre-
season matches.
Sturridge, 28, went to West Brom on loan in
January but was injured early on and managed
just six appearances.
With 12 months left on his contract it appeared
Sturridge’s Anfield career was over but he has
looked sharp in his five friendly games and
Klopp, who became frustrated by the player’s
unavailability last season, is prepared to hand
him a lifeline.
“We’re not in doubt — and nobody was ever in
doubt — about his quality,” the Liverpool
manager told liverpoolfc.com.
“In this moment he looks really good to be
honest. That’s cool — really cool for him and
cool for us. (It’s) a very important moment for
him. I am in talks with him, what he feels.
“I don’t want to make him the most physically
strong player in the squad or whatever.
“The most physically strong player in the squad
cannot play football like Daniel Sturridge and he
has no possibility to be that, to be the marathon
man of the team, but he can be a very decisive
player.”
Sturridge could be in line to start the Premier
League campaign at home to West Ham on
August 12, with Roberto Firmino and new
goalkeeper and fellow Brazil international Alisson
only rejoining the squad at next week’s training
camp in France.
Liverpool are currently taking part in the
International Champions Cup in the United
States.
AFP