Daniel Sturridge: The right revelation for Chelsea

Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge (C) vies with Aston Villa's Stiliyan Petrov (R) during their Barclays Asia Trophy final football match at Hong Kong stadium on July 30, 2011. Chelsea won 2-0.

Miroslav Stoch,Carlton Cole,Robert Huth,Scott Sinclair ; all these players had bright careers projected ahead at Chelsea as academy graduates but were not given opportunities by the various managers that have come and gone at the club. Daniel Sturridge nearly had the same fate to this career, but decided to stay and fight for his place even as new strikers were recruited to the club.

Sturridge played in the Barclays Asia Trophy Final 2011

Sturridge, a former Manchester City youngster, was suited by Bolton after having a successful loan spell last season. He moved to Chelsea on a free transfer during Ancelotti’s reign and featured in some games including UCL group matches. With Abrahimovich’s purchase of Torres in January 2011, Sturridge had to move on loan to get regular game time.

Sturridge will be available for this week’s game against Sunderland and AVB must involve him in the team as early as possible. With Torres disappointing during the first three games,some competition within for the strikers slot will not harm anyone.

“This is a big season for me – I proved I could do it for Bolton, and given the chance I would love to show I can do it for Chelsea as well” : Sturridge speaking to the Mirror

Options

Sturridge could be played as the central striker of a 4 man attack, playing the 4-2-3-1 formation. In the absence of Drogba, Sturridge is viable for this position with Torres and a left-footed striker providing support.

Juan Mata will play in advanced areas than Lampard, giving him a Messi-esque dimension to control passes to the three strikers. Fernando Torres has held up the ball well, and his touch to release the ball elegantly could see him operate down the flanks and more freedom to roam with the ball.

In the current 4-3-3 policy, Sturridge can easily slot into the right hand side of attack instead of Kalou. His pace will be handy to get behind the full-backs, and with Torres waiting in the middle this could be very dynamic system.

As some teams like Norwich the last game, a defensive line of 5 with wing backs can be dismantled more effectively by the trio of Torres, Mata and Sturridge.

“I scored a few goals in pre-season and now my ban is over I’m raring to go. There is no shortage of competition for places up front at Chelsea, but that’s fine by me” Sturridge said about his chances at the Bridge.The ambitious Sturridge also aims to emulate Danny Welbeck to get a senior England call-up.

He and Welbeck played together for the England U-21 and will be hoping that AVB gives him similar opportunities like Alex Ferguson has given to Welbeck this season. The similarities with Danny Welbeck run further as both of them had successful loan spells at mid-table clubs and have returned to their parent clubs with a point to prove.