Daniel Sturridge

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has said that the Reds cannot afford to stumble in the forthcoming festive schedule with Manchester City right on their tail with a one-point deficit. The Merseyside giants are currently the sole unbeaten side through the Premier League campaign but their credentials are likely to be tested during the forthcoming games with Arsenal and City to face in the next fortnight.

Speaking to reporters, Lovren highlighted that City genuinely have no weaknesses throughout their team and they have the capacity to fight back from disappointing defeats after doing so with a dominating presence in their historical title triumph last term. He added that the Reds should also have an eye on Tottenham Hotspur behind them with the north London side just six points behind them after 17 matches into the season.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has praised the progress of Sadio Mane since he made the move to Anfield from Southampton two years ago. The Senegalese footballer had made a reputation for himself during his two seasons on the South Coast but he has managed to take his game to another level with the Reds, where he has formed a brilliant attacking trident alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

Speaking to Premier League productions, Klopp hailed the 26-year-old as an ‘outstanding player’ and stated that he has managed to realise his potential with the Merseyside giants, he said: “He is an outstanding player, I never had any other opinion. Since he came in he helped the team so much, he improved so much. He is an outstanding offensive player. If you ask me if he is a striker, yes, from time to time; is he a midfielder, yes, from time to time; he can probably play a slightly deeper position as well – we don’t have to play him there because we have other players there but he could play it as well.”

Liverpool legend Ian Rush has backed Daniel Sturridge to extend his contract with the Reds beyond the current campaign. The England international appeared destined to leave Anfield during the summer after a frustrating loan stint with West Bromwich Albion last term but he has managed to make amends after impressing during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.

Despite this, he has not quite managed to cement a regular starting berth ahead of Roberto Firmino but Rush believes the marksman should take the chances up on offer to push for the contract extension, he said: “There’s only so many who can play. I remember when it was myself, Fowler and Collymore. There were only two places up for grabs so when you get your chance you’ve got to take it.

Times correspondent Jonathan Northcroft has expressed his disbelief after Gareth Southgate decide to ignore Daniel Sturridge for the England squad. The 28-year-old has been impressive for Liverpool whenever called upon from the bench this season and Northcroft believes he should have warranted a place for the upcoming set of internationals.

In a report covered by Sky Sports’ Sunday Supplement, he said: “Daniel Sturridge, in terms of talent, and someone who is in good shape and form - England should be biting the hand off to get Sturridge in there. I would have him in the team. I do not understand that one [Sturridge omission], I would actually have him in the team. He is a slightly different player to Harry Kane, if you want a No 9 and a No 10. Throwing Raheem Sterling in there, there are some incredible talents.”

Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas admits that he was surprised by Daniel Sturridge’s decision to stay put with Liverpool. The England international has found himself out-of-favour for a starting role in recent years but he nevertheless took up the option of an Anfield stay after making a strong impact during pre-season.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Nicholas suggested that Sturridge have done well to ‘dig his heels in’ and stay with the club but that may not assure him of regular gametime, he said: “That will always be an issue (keeping the squad players happy. Especially for the forwards because these three already pick themselves.

Former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy has admitted that he feels sorry for Daniel Sturridge despite his positive start to the Premier League campaign. The England international has struggled with numerous injury concerns over the years but he has started the new season in good form after netting from the bench against West Ham United.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Bellamy hailed the qualities of the England international, who has got another opportunity to impress under Jurgen Klopp. Nonetheless, the Welshman feels sorry for the former Chelsea man and believes the striker can only realistically aim for a regular role from the substitutes’ bench.

England international Daniel Sturridge has revealed his ambition to stay put with Liverpool for the upcoming campaign. The 28-year-old fell out-of-favour under Jurgen Klopp during the first half of the previous season and this witnessed him being loaned out to West Bromwich Albion at the turn of the year where he had limited success.

Despite this, Sturridge has been involved in the early part of the Reds’ pre-season and he has now indicated that he would stay on with the club, he said: “I see myself staying at Liverpool, hopefully being part of the team week in, week out. Pre-season is going well, so for me it’s keeping my head down and building on that. I’m excited about the season ahead and it feels great to be back. I am feeling great and can’t wait to get the season under way. We have the tour to come where we face some great teams like Manchester United, Manchester City, and [Borussia] Dortmund.”

England international Jordan Henderson has stressed that he has overcome the disappointment of losing the Champions League final to Real Madrid and his focus is now entirely on the Three Lions’ pursuit of the World Cup. Gareth Southgate’s side begun their World Cup campaign with a late 2-1 win over Tunisia and they can now assure themselves of a knockout spot with a victory over Panama.

Speaking in a press conference, Henderson highlighted that he has forgotten about the events in Kiev last month and his sole aim is now on helping the Three Lions make a mark at the World Cup, he said: “The Champions League Final in Kiev was a difficult night – but football moves quickly. You have to move on and use the experience.
“I had a few days to reflect – but then my focus quickly changed to the World Cup, to England. I don’t see these players differently because I have trained with them for so long. That’s with England teams and I’ve also played with them and against them a lot in the Premier League. So I know how much quality there is in the group and that’s why we have got so much confidence.”

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has responded on social media shortly after reports emanated of his alleged bust-up with manager Jurgen Klopp. The England international spent the second half of the season on loan with West Bromwich Albion after he failed to command a regular starting role under Klopp.

A recent report suggested that Sturridge has been at loggerheads with the German after he failed to invite him for the club’s Champions League final against Real Madrid. However, Sturridge has supposedly refuted those claims by insisting that he has sent his good wishes to his head coach prior to the European final, he tweeted: “Spoke to the boss and (sporting director) Michael Edwards over the couple of days and wished them good luck for the final. Wished my team mates good luck after the semis and this week.”

Daniel Sturridge could make a switch to Turkish giants Besiktas during the summer transfer window, a representative from the striker’s agency has said. The England international has suffered a string if injuries over the past couple of seasons and he is currently on the fringes of Liverpool first-team after an unsuccessful loan spell with west Bromwich Albion.

Recent reports have suggested that Sturridge’s encourage have held a couple of discussions with the Besiktas president and a Turkish representative of the player’s agency has confirmed that there is indeed an interest, he told Fotomac: “If the fans want him conditions occurs and Sturridge could play in Turkey”.