Former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby has backed Daniel Sturridge to retain his old form during the course of the Premier League.
The England international has been sparingly used by manager Jurgen Klopp this season with Roberto Firmino regularly getting the nod for the centre-forward role.
Back in the 2013/14 season, Sturridge was regarded as the best striker in the England ranks, but he has since suffered a series of injuries which have hampered his progress with both club and country. Sturridge has shown glimpses of his old self when called upon this season, but he has not been able to create a similar impact as his fellow teammates.
Despite this, Molby believes that Sturridge can still be a major force for the Reds, but he needs to be patient to overcome his fitness issues, he said: "Apparently he’s training every day so that’s good in itself but now he needs to find his match legs. He looked off the pace but he’ll know that himself and will be as frustrated as the fans.
There is no magic button you can press to find your form, Daniel needs to keep showing patience and working. I think he can still be a major force. Having the ability to finish chances is a rare skill, and when he was at his peak he was among the best. "
Liverpool face a highly-anticipated game against Manchester United following the international break, and Sturridge may have to stick with a bench role owing to his current form. Firmino has become a Klopp favourites over the past year, while the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are automatic picks to take up their respective roles on the wings. There was a question over where Philippe Coutinho could ply his trade, but Klopp has positioned the Brazilian in a central attacking role, where he has excelled with two goals in his previous two outings.