Jurgen Klopp’s sporadic usage of Daniel Sturridge has evoked a mixed response from the Liverpool faithful. While some believe the Englishman deserves to start more games for the Reds, many believe that Klopp has managed the player in the best possible way, especially with his extended troubles with injuries in the past.
However, in fairness to Sturridge, he has been one of the best strikers in Europe, whenever fit and adds to the attacking firepower of his side whenever he has been on the pitch.
While there was no doubting his talent as a youngster, even when he was on the books of Manchester City, he has truly evolved as a special striker only post his move to Anfield. The striker has already bagged 57 goals in 101 appearances for the Reds and is always threatening the opposition with his goal scoring ability well complemented by his creative instincts.
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However, with him only recently turning 27, there are a number of good years left in the player and Klopp’s management of the player has fuelled rumours that he might be forced to rethink his future at Anfield.
He has fallen behind Roberto Firmino in the pecking order and with the Brazilian turning in brilliant performances week after week featuring as his side’s false 9, the situation does not seem to be improving for Sturridge.
One club that he has been linked with extensively since the last transfer window is Arsenal. Despite possessing creativity and pace in plenty, what the Gunners have truly lacked in the recent past is someone who could convert the chances that the side creates and Sturridge is the kind of player who could help the Gunners truly achieve their potential.
In this segment, we take a look at the reasons that make Sturridge the perfect fit for Arsenal.
Sturridge has been injury free for a while now
While his career has been plagued by numerous injuries, Sturridge seems to have put them behind him in the current season (Touchwood). His fitness seems to have improved massively and he looks like he could finally last consecutive games in the top flight without his manager having a headache about his fitness.
However, it seems like Jurgen Klopp is not entirely convinced of his ability to stay fit and hence, seems to be setting up his sides with Sturridge as a peripheral figure rather than being a key player at the club and that seems to be infuriating Sturridge.
While it might be termed as a gamble, we believe a move to Arsenal, where he could easily establish as the number one striker, especially with Olivier Giroud’s troubles in front of the goal, Welbeck’s limited abilities and Lucas Perez still coming to terms with the pace and physicality of the Premier League, would be ideal.
A goal scorer whose ability bodes well with Arsenal’s style of play
Sturridge has raked in impressive numbers at Liverpool, scoring goals for fun and continues to do so despite being afforded restricted time on the pitch. While that in itself, makes a sound decision for the North London club to pursue even more aggressively their pursuit of the player, it is actually his playing style that truly makes him a perfect fit for Arsenal.
He is quick on and off the ball, can see a pass very few footballers in the world can and has shown a penchant for being an invaluable asset to a team that relies on quick passing and movement, in other words, a side managed by Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have struggled due to lack of a proven goal scorer who can truly complement the abilities of its creative players and Sturridge could prove be to an even more devastating presence at the Emirates with the likes of Ozil, Sanchez, Walcott and Cazorla around him.
Liverpool’s lack of European commitments adds to Arsenal’s benefits
With Liverpool not involved in any European competition in the current season, bringing in the player will not hamper Arsene Wenger’s choices across competitions as he has featured for the Reds only in the Premier League and the English League Cup, thus making him available for Arsenal’s European games, the FA Cup as well as the league.
The side lacks the depth in the attacking areas to truly remain a force across the number of competitions they are currently involved in and bringing in an established striker to help manage a load of games they could have if they progress to the advanced stages of the tournaments makes sense.
Another aspect that makes perfect footballing sense for the Reds is the rumoured price. In a footballing world where the likes of Andy Carroll was sold for a massive fee of £35 million, the former Manchester City and Chelsea striker could cost Arsenal in the range of £30 million, a price that could be termed a steal if Sturridge helps his side win silverware with his goal scoring abilities.
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While it remains to be seen if the move will actually go through, especially with Liverpool wary of selling to their direct rivals, Arsenal’s pursuit of the player might excite the Gunners faithful as he is precisely the player they have lacked in the recent past.
However, with Liverpool having parted ways with critical players like Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano, Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling over the years, a bid in the right direction could force the hand of the hierarchy into selling the player.
(Video courtesy: MCFCCOMPILATIONS2 YouTube channel)
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