Although Liverpool are still looking to add a top class striker to their ranks before the transfer window closes, all eyes will be squarely on Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge this year as the 24-year old looks to step out of the considerable shadow cast by former partner Luis Suarez.
With the Uruguayan now plying his trade at Barcelona, there’s been many a pundit who have predicted that the Reds are doomed to rue his sale by dropping out of the Champions League places, but Sunday’s 2-1 win over Southampton at Anfield saw them grind out a tough result when it looked like they were going to come up short — something that Sturridge has hailed the importance of.
“Whether it be individual brilliance, poacher’s goals, a set piece or something. It doesn’t matter how, we have to win these games by any means possible” he said after scoring the winner. “This shows we can win the dirty games as well as playing the nice football, with the intricate moves and the one-twos around the box.”
Last year, Liverpool pushed eventual champions Manchester City to the final game of the season, and though they go into this one with the underdog label still firmly attached, that’s not bothering Sturridge one bit. “Last season we were underdogs and this season we will be underdogs. It’s early in the season but we have got a confidence and belief in our squad. It doesn’t matter what the opposition is” he continued. “We have got a belief in the manager’s philosophy and with the individuals we have and the way we play collectively, we can beat anyone. We have got off to a good start and it is fantastic but there are 37 more games to go.”
