Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Daniel Sturridge will only improve on Friday as Luis Suarez prepares to make his Premier League return against Sunderland following his 10-match ban.
Sturridge has assumed the mantle of being the focus of the attack and has scored 11 times.
But the two have only started eight times together since Sturridge signed from Chelsea in the January transfer window.
Sunderland, who are without a win in the Premier League, have sacked manager Paolo Di Canio and Kevin Ball has assumed the role of caretaker boss.Brendan Rodgers said: “There’s no taking him out (of the side). I think with Daniel (Sturridge), I think we have seen this season, even when he is not 100 percent fit – he is still an amazing player. He is still a player who will put defenders on the back foot. The sheer pace and power is getting up there up to speed. He is a player who is very, very important for our team.”
“I think (Luis Suarez’s return) will only improve him (Daniel Sturridge). It will only make him a better player. Good players only want to play with other good players. I think you will see how they will perform together. They can be a real threat but it’s not something that Daniel, or anyone else, will be worried about.”
“We had a tough game there (at Sunderland) last year. We played very well in the second half. Like at every game at this level it is going to be a tough game. But for us, in order for us to continue climbing and moving forward, it’s one that we are determined to go and win. But we know the capabilities of Sunderland and I am sure they will come out fighting to get a result.”
