Whilst Luis Suarez tends to get most of the plaudits, there’s a lot to be said for the input that Daniel Sturridge has had for Liverpool since joining the club last January.
Considering that he cost just he cost just £12m, there’s a good argument to suggest that he’s the best signing the Reds have made in quite some time. Sturridge is clearly a world-class striker, with real potency in front of goal and the ability to contribute elsewhere on the pitch. The fact the Brendan Rodgers didn’t have to break the bank to sign him is somewhat astonishing.
It’s not like his ex-club, Chelsea, are particularly generous when it comes to selling players to rivals. When Arsenal tried to sign Demba Ba on loan during the summer, Jose Mourinho vetoed the deal and the Gunners were left empty handed. Liverpool fans should thank their lucky stars that this deal ever happened in the first place.
After all, his 24 Premier League goals in 30 appearances have seriously elevated this team. He’s helped to drive the club back up the Premier League table and back into contention for a Champions League slot. He also stood in admirably for Luis Suarez, whilst the Uruguayan was serving a long-term ban.
His transformation since leaving Stamford Bridge for Anfield has been nothing short of remarkable. This is something that hasn’t been lost on Daniel himself:
“When I was at Chelsea I wasn’t myself. I wasn’t me as a person in terms of how open I am – I was in my shell a lot. It’s hard to explain, but I was never myself in interviews. I always felt like I wasn’t relaxed there – I always felt that I couldn’t be myself and was always on edge.”
“I couldn’t be myself in terms of everything. When I came here I made the point to myself, ‘You know what, Daniel, just be yourself’ and if people take it well, then good… I just thought it was right when I moved to Liverpool to be myself.” (Source: The Mirror)
I’m glad to see that Daniel has finally found himself. Here’s hoping that he continues to follow this path and ends up leading Liverpool back into the Europe’s elite competition.
If the Reds are to achieve something, they’ll certainly need him to keep firing on all cylinders.
What’s your take? Has Daniel Sturridge found himself at Liverpool?
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