‘Sturridge will be massive next season’

LIVERPOOL star Adam Lallana has given a glowing appraisal of teammate Daniel Sturridge, insisting the England striker can be like ‘two new signings’ if he can stay fit next season. Sturridge has endured a frustrating two seasons at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, with injuries constantly hampering his contribution to the team. He initially took to life at Anfield like a duck to water when he signed from Chelsea in January 2013, scoring 35 goals from his first 49 games. However, a series of setbacks has seen him struggle to match the same lofty heights – leading to talk he could quit the club.

Daniel Sturridge was limited to just 27 appearances across all competitions last term, managing seven goals along the way.

West Ham have been frequently linked with a move, though Klopp has always insisted the 27-year-old is not for sale.

And Lallana reckons that Sturridge has looked good in pre-season, and backed the striker to prove his worth if he can stay fully fit.

“Sturridge has been absolutely brilliant in pre-season so far,” the former Southampton midfielder said.

“He’s looking really sharp and to have him firing on all cylinders would be like having two new signings, if we can keep him on the pitch and get him scoring goals. He is a world- class player.

‘He has come back from the summer in brilliant shape, so fit. He is going to be a massive player for us this season. I can feel it.

“You couldn’t put a price on him. Every footballer gets injuries – Jordan (Henderson) has had a tough couple of years.

”We all have to deal with it at some stage in our career. But we have got plenty of options and if we keep everyone fit, who knows what can happen?

“We’re looking good at the minute. The last week has been strictly about football here and that’s what you want as a player.”

Sturridge will have another chance to impress for Liverpool when they face Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup today. – Express Newspapers