DAN’S THE RIGHT VAN MAN FOR ENGLAND
Van Dijk backs Sturridge to return to 3 Lions
VIRGIL VAN DIJK has backed “world-class” Daniel Sturridge for an England recall.
Liverpool supersub Sturridge rescued a point for Jurgen Klopp’s men with a last-minute wonder strike at Stamford Bridge (left and right). It was Sturridge’s fourth goal of the season and came with perfect timing as England boss Gareth Southgate names his squad on Thursday for the Nations League games with Croatia and Spain.
Dutch international defender Van Dijk feels it is a no-brainer for England to bring back Sturridge after an
FROM FRONT PAGE injury nightmare that has left him in the international wilderness for nearly two years. Right now he has the best goal-per-minute ratio in the Premier League after scoring every 12.5 minutes.
Van Dijk said: “Of course (he is good enough). I don’t think there should be any doubt.
“I know how good he can be, by playing against him and seeing him in training.”
Van Dijk said that even before he signed for Liverpool he was aware of the class of Sturridge (left). “I said then he was one of the best strikers in the league and he has shown it. We have world-class players and he’s one of them. He scored a fantastic goal and got us a point so I’m happy for him.” MAURIZIO SARRI admitted David Luiz has been a big surprise as both a “player and a man” since he took charge in the summer. Chelsea defender Luiz looked to be on his way through the exit door after being frozen out by former boss Antonio Conte. But Luiz is enjoying yet another career revival at Stamford Bridge under new boss Sarri, and the Brazil defender had another outstanding game against Liverpool. Luiz, 31, has still got a reckless streak in him with a mistake virtually guaranteed in every game. But the better moments are outweighing the bad with goal-line clearances (above), blocks and vital tackles against the Reds. Sarri said: “Yes, he is much better than I thought before. Much better, as a player and a man. I don’t know what happened before. “I immediately had a feeling he is a very good player for my way of football, as he is a very technical centre-back. “I appreciate him very much, as he is direct. If he has to say something to me, he does that. I like direct people. “He was a little confused, as two seasons ago he was a protagonist, but then came six months without playing. “He is very able to play my way. He is very technical and understands the action of the defensive line very much.” Defender Marcos Alonso believes the Blues can mount a serious title challenge after adapting to Sarri’s style so quickly. Alonso said: “With the quality we have in the team, this is a great way to play for us. We can have control of the ball and control of the game like this. It’s a way of playing we all like and we are enjoying our football. “It’s too early to talk (about the title) and there is still room for improvement. We have to try to give a little bit more, because we are capable of beating any team, and have to show it every week.”