It’s never been smooth sailing for Daniel Sturridge at Liverpool, despite his formidable record of 55 goals in 94 appearances.
Since he arrived at Anfield for £12 million on January 2nd, 2013 the striker has been ravaged by injuries, however the 26-year-old appears to be in almost peak condition.
One problem subsides, and another surfaces. This time it’s Jurgen Klopp’s decision to play him out wide instead of his favoured central role.
“Of course it is more difficult for me to play wide. I’m a centre-forward,” Sturridge said, after the substitute grabbed a brace playing centrally in this week’s League Cup clash against Burton Albion.
“In the modern day game you have to try and be flexible but everyone knows my best position.”
The forward has never been able to mask his emotions on the field – when the England international is not happy he makes it abundantly clear – and this was certainly the case in the 5-0 drubbing of Burton.
Naturally the media speculated about a rift between the Reds star player and the manager, but Klopp was quick to rubbish the claims and admit he doesn’t like playing arguably his best striker out wide either.
“I don’t want to play Daniel as a wide player but he can play there,” Klopp said at Liverpool’s official press conference ahead of a trip to White Hart Lane on Saturday.
It begs the question, what do Liverpool fans think of the conjecture surrounding Sturridge’s comments and where he should fit into the Klopp system?
Here are some of the best reactions from Reds supporters on Twitter:
Sturridge says he doesn’t like playing wide and the fans are furious.
Milner says he doesn’t like playing LB and nobody cares.
— James – Anfield Chat (@TheAnfieldChat) August 25, 2016
Sturridge is and always will be a striker, but when Jurgen needs him out wide he should adapt. World class strikers should be able do that.
— Chris Best (@Kloptician) August 25, 2016
The Media could have reported that Sturridge will “do a job for the team” regardless of position, instead of getting the fans on his back
— Anything Liverpool (@Anything_LFC) August 25, 2016
Didn’t Sturridge score 20+ goals drifting in from wide as part of an interchangeable front 3 in 13/14? Wasn’t complaining then. #LFC.
— Si Steers (@sisteers) August 25, 2016
Even when Sturridge plays as a #9, he drifts out wide a lot. Him being a winger isn’t totally out of position.
— – (@LFCHadouken) August 25, 2016
Sturridge didn’t call the media for a moan. He’s been asked a question to which he gave answer. Media then wrongly interprets it as unrest.
— Mike Wilson (@Redsmail) August 25, 2016
You know the season has truly started when Sturridge has started bitching about the world not revolving around his permanently injured body
— Ken Barkway (@KenBarkway) August 25, 2016
Sturridge ripped teams to shreads when he was part of a front 3 which wasn’t fixed. Not sure what’s different now?
— Hans (@Hans_LFC) August 25, 2016
Sturridge has said nothing wrong in my book, he’s a striker he wants to play up top. England like to play strikers out wide, doesn’t work.
— James (@JGriersonLFC) August 25, 2016
Love how some of our fans are taking Sturridge for granted as if there’s anyone else on our team remotely close to his level of goal scoring
— L4fckop (@L4FCkop) August 25, 2016
Sturridge moaning about playing wide, gets paid thousands a week, most of the time injured – if Klopp tells you to play in goal do it #twat
— ⚽ Dave Wilson ⚽ (@Redmanwilo) August 25, 2016
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
