Liverpool goal-machine Luis Suarez may get the lions share of the headlines, but Reds legend Jamie Carragher has pointed to his strike partner Daniel Sturridge as the prime example of how the modern striker needs to play the game.
“His finishing ability is second to none. He’s got pace, he’s got strength – he’s the modern striker” enthused the Bootle born defender. “He can play wide, he can play off the front and he can play up top.” With 21-league goals to his name last season, Sturridge well and truly shrugged off any suggestions that his move to Merseyside was anything resembling a gamble on the part of either party. To be quite fair, its been anything but.
Since arriving from Chelsea in a deal worth far less than what he was worth, the 24-year old has added some extra fire-power to the Reds front line and has taken a significant burden off the shoulders of Luis Suarez. “The modern striker can’t just be someone who stays up front, looking to score a goal and that’s all he does” explained Carragher. “The modern player has got to move about and bring a lot more to his game.” With seven assists complementing his goal tally, Sturridge has shown that he can create as well as score.
With the famous Number 9 shirt on his back for England this summer, Carragher isn’t about to argue with the squad numbers. “I think Daniel Sturridge is the perfect type” he said. “I think, this season, Sturridge has been the best attacking player England have got.” Move over, Wayne Rooney; Danny boy is here to show you how it’s done.
