What Sturridge brings to the table for Brendan Rodgers’s Liverpool

Daniel Sturridge’s transfer to Liverpool is in its final stages, that’s what most of the rumor mills have been mulling since the past 2 weeks. There have been various news sources, indicating that Sturridge had a successful medical at Melwood on 23rd and the clubs would announce the transfer once the window opens. Also, there has been no sign of Danny at the Chelsea training grounds at Cobham. So, we can almost say, a transfer is on cards. So, what does Sturridge bring to the table for Brendan? and what is the loss incurred by Chelsea from this transfer?

at Manchester City..

Sturridge is a top talent, no doubting that. He was unhappy during his days at the Man City academy and Chelsea didn’t waste any time in snapping him up for a cut-price deal. Though his playing time for the Blues was significantly less, he was instrumental in the club’s FA cup run and was the top scorer in that competition in 09-10 season in which Chelsea were crowned winners. He was loaned out to Bolton the following season and he was impressive in that spell with 8 goals in 12 appearances. AVB favoured Sturridge and gave him many starts in the short spell he was at Stamford Bridge. Danny excelled in his role of inverted winger, but always was keen on playing as a central striker. But that was a distant dream at Chelsea with the likes of Drogba, Torres and Anelka at the helm.

Roberto Di Matteo didn’t have any plans for Sturridge as Ramires was deployed on the wings, and the arrival of Hazard, Moses and Marin in the summer transfer window, playing time was looking very bleak for Danny. A transfer at this stage appears to be the right choice for both the parties. The player gets some quality time on the pitch and also the club will profit in terms of the wage bill. Chelsea, obviously, will be planning to bring in a new striker to bolster their attack options, and the money from this deal can be put to use. On the other hand, Liverpool have been over-reliant on Suarez and are in extreme need of a second striker. Sturridge has the capability to play on the wings and also in a central role, So this transfer could be the solution for Rodgers and his new revolution at Anfield.

What kind of a player is Sturridge? Well, Liverpool fans can be happy that they are getting another top local talent into their ranks. Danny is quick, with his nimble feet and bursts of pace whenever needed. He has a very good ability to skip players by dropping his shoulder, a technique Liverpool fans are used to, thanks to Suarez. Sturridge is predominantly left footed, but is also good with his right foot. Many a time he tends to be selfish with his play, but one can rely on his goal scoring ability. He is at his best when played on the right wing, as he is good at cutting in, more of a Robben-ish player. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he is good in the air and offers considerable threat in set piece situations. His defensive qualities are not much useful, as he tends to commit silly fouls.

Brendan Rodgers has used Downing in various positions this season, at leftback, on the right wing and on the left wing. Very recently, Downing delivered his best performance in a red shirt after joining the club two years ago. But the arrival of Sturridge might be disastrous for Downing, as his playing time might go down. Suarez will surely be played if he’s fit, so a central role for Danny is possible only when Suarez is subbed out or is injured. The atmosphere at Anfield might be perfect for Sturridge to propel himself to reach new heights by increasing his potential, as his development always suffered when world class players were around him. Goals is what builds a striker’s confidence, and a young Liverpool team might be the best place for him to improve as a player while consequently offering his best services to the club.

Best of luck for your future Danny.