Ex Liverpool players, and even Jurgen Klopp, have been queuing up to question his professionalism
End of the road: Is it time for Daniel Sturridge to leave Liverpool?
Frustration has turned to anger and resentment.
And that is a pretty dangerous combination for Daniel Sturridge and his Liverpool career.
In fact, it has become so negative, so overwhelming, it is the reason why Sturridge feels the time may be right for him to leave Anfield for the good of his career.
Sturridge, at 26 years of age, is undoubtedly the most naturally talented striker of his particular generation and yet the last 18 months has turned into a nightmare.
Since starting against Italy in England’s opening game of the 2014 World Cup, Sturridge’s career has been plagued by injuries ever since. It’s heartbreaking.
And the incredible part of this story is that former Liverpool players, ex-pros and legends have been queuing up to question Sturridge, his desire, his commitment and, ultimately, his professionalism.
Michael Regan/Getty Images
It must be pretty tough to hear that. They’ve all done it. Maybe it’s because they know what he’s capable of and it’s galling to see him injured.
But some of the comments have crossed over from being about frustration into a nasty, angry blame game as if it’s fault. Do they really think Sturridge wants to be injured?
Even his manager, Jurgen Klopp, has hinted at “issues.” Rightly or wrongly, the coverage has given a perception that Sturridge doesn’t want to play, it has pushed the rumour mill into overdrive and been incredibly hurtful and painful for the striker.
Just for a moment think about coming into work each day with major question marks hanging over your head. Would you really want to be treated like that?
Michael Regan/Getty
As if the injuries weren’t bad enough, now people are getting at his mentality as well. Some of the rumours are just crazy. We’ve all seen them. They’re ridiculous and wrong.
But the problem is they go round, get embellished, even a grain of truth becomes exaggerated and gets turned into fiction. And often, for any player, when it’s your own fans who are gossiping and getting on your back then it seems much worse.
The atmosphere has become overwhelming and energy sapping. Sturridge is not some sort of weak individual. He’s driven his career from a young age, showing ambition to leave Manchester City, then to Chelsea and onto Liverpool to play regularly.
If ever you needed proof that all Sturridge wants to do is to play then that’s it. Some players do play with all sorts of injuries and knocks. Others have injuries you can’t play with. And others want to be fit enough, strong enough and sharp enough to do themselves justice on the pitch.
Clive Brunskill
It must be a pretty horrible feeling going onto a pitch wondering if a muscle will pop or a hamstring will pull. You can’t put in 100 per cent. But all Sturridge wants to do is play. To question otherwise is just laughable.
The really difficult part of this story is that his fitness and career has become such a talking point because he is such a good player.
England boss Roy Hodgson regards him as the most talented player of his squad. Hodgson wants to name Sturridge in his 40-strong group for the get-together at St George’s Park next Thursday.
Hodgson is desperate to have Sturridge fit for the Euros this summer. He will wait on Sturridge and Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere even though they have missed much of the season because they are special talents.
There have been wonderful, teasing and tantalising glimpses of Sturridge’s talent this season, such as his brilliant performance for Liverpool in their 6-1 thrashing of Southampton in the Capital One Cup two months ago.
The Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: “Now I know what everyone is talking about.”
But Sturridge, who this week returned to training, has played just 274 minutes of football this season and his catalogue of recent injuries takes in hamstring, hip, thigh and ankle problems.
However, no-one will forget the form he showed in the 2013/14 season when Liverpool - with Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling up front - so nearly won the Premier League title.
That’s why Liverpool want him playing again. But with so much negativity and doubt surrounding Sturridge, maybe it is time to move on.
And, despite the injuries, there will surely be no shortage of interest. That’s because he is a special talent and managed right, he can realise his full potential elsewhere.
Michael Regan - The FA
Maybe that will suit Liverpool as well because it will be a fresh start, a clean break and if they are fed up of him then he will be appreciated elsewhere.
Chelsea might be tempted to go for their former striker. Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are all after a top class striker.
It will be a difficult break. Sturridge is under contract until 2019 and he’s on £140,000-a-week so it will be a hard deal to do.
But if clubs want him, if Liverpool are fed-up and a fresh start is needed then maybe it is best for all concerned that he leaves Anfield this summer.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your contribution