“It has been difficult and over the last couple of years some of our top players have gone out. For a manager it is very difficult because these players have been outstanding but you need a plan in place to replace that quality.
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| With Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling gone, Daniel Sturridge is the last man standing of Liverpool’s title-challenging stars. He might also be the last man capable of saving Brendan Rodgers’ job. |
“For me, there is not anyone better than Daniel Sturridge. He has got everything in his game if he is playing consistently – goalscoring record, pace, power. As an English striker, there is nobody better.” – February 10, 2015.
“If you look at teams who are successful they will have a consistent striker and what that gives the rest of team is crucial. It’s quite simple, we need more of a scoring threat. We missed it immensely this year and obviously that has affected results.” – April 25, 2015.
“He’s just had a horrible run of injuries this year and when you take that into consideration to what he gives us – because he got 20-plus goals last season – it’s hard to replace that. He’s got everything to be a world-class player. As you know, though, the world-class players play every single week, contributing, that’s the make-up. It’s not just about talent or ability, it’s consistency.” – May 15, 2015.
“He looks a different level of player and when he is fit, available and strong, it can take your game to a new dimension.” – September 18, 2015.
Five separate quotes from five different months, all from Brendan Rodgers on Daniel Sturridge. It was no different after his match winning efforts: “Sturridge showed what we missed for over a year – he makes the difference and helps you compete.” Rodgers’ post-match quotes simply add to the suspicion that Sturridge really was his last excuse. While the pressure has been approaching boiling point at Liverpool, the one constant has been the England striker – or rather lack thereof.
Groin, ankle (x2), thigh, hamstring and hip. An absence of 363 days, and 63 games missed. Sturridge’s injury record since joining Liverpool in January 2013 makes for difficult reading. One only hopes that in rolling his final job-saving dice, Rodgers doesn’t push his striker too far, too soon.
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