Dire spell at West Brom gave Sturridge glimpse of what might lie ahead
IT WAS a calamity and there is no point saying anything different. Daniel Sturridge went to West Brom on loan last season in an attempt to get into England’s World Cup squad but ended up looking like yesterday’s man. He played 116 minutes at the Hawthorns and never scored a goal. He spent two months out with a hamstring injury and did nothing to save them from relegation. The calamity, though, was the catalyst for reviving his Liverpool career. Sturridge got a glimpse of what life away from Anfield would be like and did not like what he saw. Since returning to Liverpool, he is rejuvenated and reaping the benefits of a summer of hard work; he is leaner and fitter than he has been in three years. You should not be surprised that he scored a goal of such outstanding quality against Chelsea because he is the most gifted striker in Jurgen Klopp’s squad. When it all clicks, he can operate at the same prolific levels as Harry Kane. The only doubt about Sturridge has been whether he could cope with the demands Klopp places on his players. Now he has seen what is on the other side of the fence, the answer is yes. Carry on like this and he will score 20 this season. He’s seen the light.