Why It Is Time For Liverpool To Ditch Sturridge And Let Solanke Grow
Liverpool are certainly a club on the rise at the moment as their German manager Jurgen Klopp is adamant to add some of the best players to his squad this summer. They have already completed their first signing in Dominic Solanke from Chelsea for £3m and are still looking for further additions to their attack.
The way the lad is playing, it is clear that Solanke has been brought in as a first team option by Klopp. The 19-year old was recently named the player of the tournament in the U-20 World Cup that England won and he looks like a future star for the club and his country. Though he has been brought in as a first team option, it is hard to see him get his chances at Anfield next season.
The Reds used Roberto Firmino as a false-9 last season to good effect, while Divock Origi was also called upon at times. But their first choice striker was English international Daniel Sturridge, who yet again failed to keep himself fit for most of the season.
Sturridge has missed a lot of games for the club in the last three seasons and though Klopp might give him another chance next season, the investment on Solanke does not mean good news for him.
The likes of West Ham United are already looking to price Sturridge away and Liverpool have enough quality in their attack to cope with the loss of the 27-year old.
For starters, they have Danny Ings coming back from a lengthy injury and is almost a new signing for Klopp. He could be the second choice striker for the club after Firmino next season, with Origi acting as an understudy. Sturridge, if fit, could yet be the first choice but it might finally be time for Liverpool to use him according to his history.
The former Manchester City and Chelsea star is easily the best finisher the club has in their squad but Klopp will also need to introduce Solanke to the first team and the only player who could make way for him next season is Sturridge.
As already mentioned, he may yet keep his place in the squad and may turn into a reliable option for Liverpool. But at the moment, he should be the one stepping down to give Solanke first team exposure.
The 19-year old has improved massively in recent years and Liverpool should not stunt that growth by keeping him on the bench. He needs exposure and Klopp needs to find a way to use him regularly in the first team. So Sturridge, though he may not quit the club, may fall down the pecking order if he is reduced to appearances from the bench.
It is time for Daniel Sturridge to probably donate his place in the team to a promising youngster, who seems to be healthier than Liverpool’s No. 15.