Forget Balotelli – Why This Super English Star Will Carry Liverpool To Champions League Spots

There’s good news around the corner for Liverpool fans as star- striker Daniel Sturridge looks set to finally return to the Match Day Squad after having picked up a nasty injury way back in the first week of September while away on international duty. With 32 goals in 46 appearances for the Reds, Sturridge already has a better goal-ratio than most of Liverpool’s best strikers in the past. If only, the former Chelsea man could stay fit regularly there would be few standing in his way to becoming one of the most potent strikers in Europe. The Reds have struggled ever since Sturridge has been away, the last game he was involved in was the 3-0 win over Spurs away at White Hart Lane where the English striker set up the opener. After the departure of Luis Suarez this summer, Daniel Sturridge will have to assume the role of senior striker at the club despite being just 25 years of age. Here are some of the qualities he brings to the Reds squad who are finding life very difficult after last season’s surprise:

Goals Goals and Goals

‘Studge’ is one of those kind of strikers who guarantee you a goal a game when he plays one. A clinical finisher with pace to burn and a lethal left-foot – Sturridge has always been scoring goals for fun since moving to Anfield. In a side, that is struggling to score goals the return of the Birmingham-born striker will be a huge plus to the Reds faltering season.

The Number 9 and a Half

A season ago, Luis Suarez was described by Rodgers as a striker who is more than just a number 9. He created chances, set up goals and scored aplenty himself. Dan Sturridge has got to be Liverpool’s number 9 and a half this season. His performance against Spurs indicated that he is more than capable of playing that role and Liverpool fans will be hoping he assumes the same kind of form as soon as he returns

A Lift

Great players often make everyone around them look good. While Sturridge still has a long way to go to be called a Premier League Great, he certainly lifts the spirit of a team with his hunger and desire. Hassling defenders all the game and making lung-busting runs all game, Sturridge provides his midfielders with chances to set him up as much as any top-notch striker around the world. His return to the squad will certainly raise the game of players like Henderson, Sterling and Lallana. His constant running down the channels also make him a target for Stevie Gerrard to hit those raking passes to.

Mario Balotelli

It is assumed that Mario Balotelli is at his best when paired with another striker upfront. Just like Cesare Prandelli paired him up with Cassano or Di Natale for Euro 2012; Masimilliano Allegri paired him with El Sharawaay or Pazzini for Milan. Daniel Sturridge’s movement and freedom will allow Balotelli more space and time on the ball. Liverpool fans hope that the return of their star striker will get the best out of the striker that promised the world but hasn’t delivered yet.

Guest post by Johnson Gerrard.