The career of Daniel Sturridge has been far from smooth sailing for the England international, rising through the youth ranks at Manchester City, he got his chance in the #Premier League following a move to Chelsea in 2009. Now nearly three years since signing for Liverpool in a £12 million deal, he is struggling to force his way into Jurgen Klopp's starting XI after being one of the first names on the team sheet (when fit) under Brendan Rodgers. #Sturridge could be about to anoint himself 'journeyman' status as he could be preparing to look for his fourth club in his injury plagued career.
Time to go
Sturridge only featured for 12 minutes in the 0-0 draw against Southampton, and with Divock Origi being preferred to make an impact from the bench multiple times this season things aren't looking good for Sturridge at Liverpool. Ex-Arsenal forward Ian Wright believes that Sturridge should look on leaving Liverpool in the near future "when you look at it, if Daniel Sturridge - who has just scored for England and is buzzing - can't get in the team when those lads have done so many miles, he's got to start looking at what's going on for himself in January". He wouldn't be short of suitors should he decide to seek pastures new in the January transfer window but Liverpool was meant to be Sturridge's chance to prove himself as a top striker after a hit and miss spell at Chelsea.
His form in the 2013/14 would act as incentive alone to interested clubs with West Ham rumoured to be leading the chase, but Sturridge is going to have to adapt the way that he plays the game and find a way to fit into Jurgen Klopp's system if he is to stay at Anfield.
Just not the right fit
Klopp's gegenpressing style of Football beleaguered Sturridge as questions were raised towards the end of last season whether the England striker would fit into the system.
Recent performances show why attacking midfielder turned striker Roberto Firmino is Klopp's first choice as his ability to track back and press for the team is something Sturridge just doesn't have in his repertoire. The 27 year-old only registered 6 league goals to his name since Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers, and his 4 goals this season have all came in the EFL cup.
With a #Liverpool team in such scintillting form, it is hard to see where Sturridge fits in a side where Coutinho, Firmino and Mane are running the show. There is no doubt that when it comes to technical ability, Sturridge is the best striker at the club and on form one of the best in the league, but Klopp is a manager who will sacrifice his style of play for nobody and it is possible that Sturridge is about to become a casualty of that belief. Sturridge's technical ability is possibly the only reason that he is in contention at Anfield rather than on the sidelines, #Ings is an example as when fit, he was a player who fit the Klopp profile but couldn't manage to force his way into the starting XI. It is starting to look like Daniel Sturridge is going to be at the centre of a January transfer saga.
