Daniel Sturridge clarified his dissent on being played in wide positions by his manager Jurgen Klopp during Liverpool’s opening set of season fixtures. The England international asserted that he is at his best when positioned as a striker, a role which suits his intuition. However, the striker also avoided a controversy by later adding that he wouldn’t argue with the manager’s plan and is happy to do whatever is required of him.
Daniel Sturridge was stationed out wide by Klopp in Liverpool’s line-up against Burnley and Burton Albion while Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi started up front in respective games. After losing to the newly-promoted side last Saturday, Sturridge helped Liverpool with two goals in their 5-0 win against Burton in the EFL Cup second round on Tuesday.
Also Read: Klopp unconcerned by Sturridge frustrations with Liverpool role
Speaking after the win at Burton, Sturridge told The Guardian: "Of course it is more difficult for me to play wide. I'm a centre-forward. In the modern day game, you have to try and be flexible but everyone knows my best position.
"Everyone knows where I enjoy playing the most. I'm a player who plays on instinct, and in the middle, I have clarity on movement and things that I have been doing for years. I am on autopilot there. You just do things because you are used to doing it.
"But when you are out wide, you have got to worry about different things. It's just a different way. The way you move, the way you play - it is all different. You can't play the same as you do as a centre-forward."
Asked whether he was happy playing out wide, Sturridge said: "Well, I have to do a job for the team. That's not saying I am happy to do it. That's saying I have got to do a job for the team. It's a team game. If I am put in that position, I have to play there."
Also read: Liverpool look to their Mane man at Spurs
Daniel Sturridge was earlier played in wide positions for England at the Euro 2016 also, under Roy Hodgson. With the new management in place, Sturridge refused to comment on his role expectations for the national team as he keenly awaits the announcement of squad by Sam Allardyce.
Sturridge said, "It is a different regime, a different coaching style," he said. "I've never worked with Sam or Sammy Lee, so I don't really know how they work. But if I am in the squad, it will be a good occasion. We want to start the campaign with a win."
