Superb start by Sturridge sets tone for the Reds
WHILE Liverpool have spent most of the summer preoccupied with their Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez trying to leave Merseyside, it is another South American, Philippe Coutinho, and an Englishman, Daniel Sturridge, who have fuelled optimism among the fans.
Today the team is set for a rigorous examination when they host champions and bitter rivals Manchester United.
The Merseysiders have not snared a big-name signing to excite fans, but the goal-scoring form of Sturridge and positive start made by Coutinho and goalkeeper Simon Mignolet bode well for manager Brendan Rodgers.
One close-season signing he will probably have to do without, however, is centre back Kolo Toure who was carried off in his side’s League Cup clash against third-tier Notts County this week.
Liverpool were also awaiting news of injuries to new loan signing Aly Cissokho and midfielder Joe Allen following their bruising 4-2 extra-time win.
United manager David Moyes, used to a heated Anfield atmosphere after 11 years at Everton, will be satisfied with his opening two competitive games at his new club. A stylish win over Swansea City was followed by a solid goalless draw against likely title rivals Chelsea.
Speculation surrounding the future of striker Wayne Rooney also seems to have quietened after his hard-working display against the team who have been trying to sign him.
But it is Sturridge who has hit the headlines at the start of the season. He arrived on Merseyside in January with a certain reputation. Arrogant, lazy, a chip on the shoulder — the Liverpool lads had heard it all so were naturally curious to find out for themselves.
Yet the £12-million signing showed no hint of such traits. His new teammates were struck more by the quick feet, the close control, the ability to hold off his man with a bit of class. They could tell right away that he had got it. Nothing that has happened since has altered that view.
A brilliantly taken goal last weekend to beat Aston Villa followed the decisive strike against Stoke on the opening day. Then this week he bagged two against Notts County in the League Cup second round. Not bad for a player who had hardly taken part in pre-season, who still has some way to go before reaching full match fitness.
In his favour, though, the 23year-old would appear to look after himself very well. Reporting back for training after recovering from the ankle injury sustained playing for England in May, his body fat reading was exactly the same as at the end of last season. That tells you that he eats all the right foods, that he is serious about his work, not the moody prima donna some have labelled him in the past.
In fact, to watch Sturridge play football these days is to watch a player who knows that he is wanted.
Sturridge struck up an immediate understanding with Suarez last season. The relationship with Coutinho is equally impressive. The two are on the same wavelength, as proved by the Brazilian’s sublime dummy at Villa Park to let the ball run into his mate’s path.
And what happened after that bordered on the extraordinary. To keep his balance and composure in such a tight area suggests Sturridge can score well over 20 goals this year. That kind of return can make a real difference to Liverpool assuming Suarez returns from suspension to hit the heights once again.
Brendan Rodgers must be privately delighted. His decision to spend big on what was regarded at the time as a bit of a gamble is being regularly vindicated. But while the Liverpool manager is naturally full of praise, he was also keen to emphasise that Sturridge still has a long way to go. — © The Daily Telegraph, London