3) Liverpool: Daniel Sturridge
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When Liverpool first signed Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea in 2013 January transfer window, what they got was a player with explosive pace to get in behind the defence and either create chances or finish them. At the time, he teamed up with Luis Suarez and a young Raheem Sterling to form a formidable forward line at Anfield that had defenders sweating.
Playing a high line amounted to suicide as Sturridge punished back-lines that left their goalkeeper vulnerable to one-on-one situations. Attempting to play him offside was a risky tactic that and it came as no surprise when Liverpool scored goals at will.
However, injuries to his hip, thigh, calf muscles, hamstring, knee, ankle and feet over the next few seasons saw him lose considerable pace – his most potent feature that made him such an effective attacker. Sky Sports showed his average top speed had dropped from nearly 33 km/hr in 2013/14 to less 28.5 km/hr this season.
If Liverpool are to seriously compete in the league and in Europe, they need a striker who can consistently play games rather than spend their peak years on the treatment table hoping to get a start.
Possible destination: A mid-table club where he can get back to his best but will anyone gamble on his fitness?
