Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has likened the second leg of the club’s Europa League encounter against Borussia Dortmund to a FIFA 16 game. The striker has admitted that there is a lot a stake for the Reds.
“It’s like when you’re playing a final on Fifa and you’re playing against your mate. You’ve all put £20 in the middle and there’s £100” said the forward.
FIFA 16 is normally an enjoyable affair for most fans of the video game. It's one of the most popular games in the world and several players have also become experts at the game. Sturridge feels playing a big match like Dortmund is similar to the anxiety before a FIFA game.
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“The pressure’s on, your palms are sweaty, but as you get into the game, the nerves go away and you enjoy it - and that’s exactly what it’s like. It’s going to be a great occasion, not just for the players but the fans, for everyone who isn’t involved with Liverpool as well – they’ll enjoy the match.”
The 23-year-old thinks the best way to prepare for a game like this is not to feel the pressure.“It’s one of those occasions where you just soak it all up, enjoy it, embrace it, have fun; that’s what you live for. It’s just going to be a great night for everyone, and you can’t let nerves get the better of you.”
The striker was left on the bench by Jurgen Klopp for the first leg as he played Origi in the striking role. The Belgian made his mark by scoring Liverpool’s away goal that night. The Englishman has been ravaged by injuries but is slowly but surely returning to his best.
“I know I can perform a lot better than I am now but it’s just that fitness and the repetition of playing 90 minutes is important as well. It’s never easy to score in every game so I can’t really set myself that standard but I think being better than one in two is where you want to really be at.”
“One in two is a good strike rate but I’m hard on myself so I don’t want to settle for that.”
Liverpool have the away goal advantage after a 1-1 draw in Germany but will have to put in another spirited performance tomorrow if they are to progress to the next round. The Europa League also hold’s their best chance to qualify for next year’s UEFA Champions League.
