Graeme Souness was critical of Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge following the defeat against Newcastle and feels he was “off the pace” in the game.
The 28-year-old has been plagued by injury during his career, but got the chance to lead the line on Sunday at St James’ Park.
Liverpool slumped to an away point as they drew 1-1 with the Magpies and it leaves them seventh in the Premier League table during the international break.
Philippe Coutinho did put the visitors in front with a superb long-range curling effort, but a fortunate Joselu goal secured the hosts a point.
Sturridge missed a big one on one opportunity with the goalkeeper as he lacked composure and saw his shot blocked by Rob Elliot.
Souness ripped into the 25-time capped England international after the match and feels he struggled to make an impact at the weekend.
“There was no cuteness in his (Sturridge) game that you normally associate with him,” Souness said, as quoted by Sky Sports. “I thought he looked laboured, he looked off the pace and I don’t think he can train and prepare properly. That’s maybe the single biggest reason why he keeps getting injury after injury.
“Today he looked like a player that hadn’t trained properly and prepared for his opportunity. It might be a month or another six weeks before Jurgen Klopp goes with him again. I thought he was so disappointing today. If everything is right with Sturridge, he is one of the first names on the team-sheet but looking at him today, he was miles away.”
Sturridge got a rare chance to spearhead the attack ahead of Roberto Firmino, but failed to make the most of his chance.
OPINION
Sturridge can be a clinical finisher on his day and there are no question marks over his ability in front of goal. However, a lack of play time has impacted his confidence and form in a negative way. He is no longer in Jurgen Klopp’s best XI and versatile attacker Firmino remains the better option. Sturridge of a couple of years ago would have been deadly in the current Liverpool attack, but he may not ever rediscover that form due to injury setbacks. Liverpool fans can only hope that the centre-forward gets back to his best when he gets further opportunities in other competitions.