Sturridge: Winning doubters over one goal at a time

Let it not be said I am not a man of my word. I said I'd post an endorsing piece in response to Daniel's sparkling start to life at Merseyside (see my earlier disapproval of his arrival) and here it is.

His arrival has enhanced the Reds as an attacking force and concerns about how he and Suarez will fit together have been put to bed. The early signs (see that goal against Norwich) are really promising and you really wonder what our season could have been if Sturridge had been signed 6 months earlier

The early stats have been amazing. Three goals in his first three games and four goals in five premiership games. It's not just his scoring though; he has assisted two goals as well. In a quick analysis the team has scored fifteen (15) goals in his five games with back to back 5-nil home wins. This isn't a co-incidence.

Everyone was well aware of his qualities before he joined. In addition to his pace and shooting, I've seen a mobility from him that I had not previously noticed. The spaces he's able to take, along with a defender or two have opened a new plethora of opportunities for Suarez and the rest of the forward line to exploit.


I was worried, BR would be obdurate and persist with a strict 4-3-3 that forced Suarez or DS to take up a restrictive wide position. Instead, he's been flexible and shown many different looks that have occasionally included a quasi 4-4-2, Hooray for BR!!

There is a potential that Suarez's goal rate will reduce with the inclusion of DS  and the inevitable sharing of goal scoring. It is noticeable Suarez has not had a multi-goal salvo in the same game both have played (the recent hat-trick is a perfect case in point). Still, I'd rather see goals spread across the team in wins than back Suarez's quest for the golden boot in losses.

It's good to see Sturridge enjoying his game, getting some recognition and love. This is to sharing in the laughter and dancing (Harlem shake anyone) as  the goals continue to fly in.

Africa needs a Summer Nations Cup

It's building up once again to that time when I focus on football in the Motherland with the African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2013) kicking off in under a month.

To avoid future competitions being played in the same year as a World Cup, AFCON 2013 starts the switch to odd-numbered years. This is a step in the right direction by CAF and needs to be followed with moving the tournament to the Summer. This will attract foreign based players and fit  better into the FIFA calendar.

For several years European clubs have asked CAF to rethink the tournament's schedule and I think it's about time to do so. Several clubs will miss their African players and may suffer a disadvantage in their various leagues. This can be avoided by scheduling the tournament when the league seasons have been concluded. It should be recalled that these clubs pay the players' salaries and shouldn't need to lose their services. Sometimes it even gets worse when the players return from international duty injured and unable to play for their teams.

A benefit of a Summer AFCON is increased coverage. In years bereft of the World Cup or Euro's, the tournament can easily take center stage and similar to the Copa America garner worldwide interest.

Additionally, there is always the potential for breakthrough stars to be discovered by clubs who can spend more resources scouting new players. It will also allow players seeking clubs to play at their very best and showcase their talents.

It amazes me that AFCON still remains on the FIFA calendar as I don't understand how a continental competition clashes with league competitions. It is clear to me that Africa and Asia (the last AFC Asian cup was also played in the month of January) are not rated highly enough or have stubborn continental associations. How else can this conflict be permitted?

More players would be likely to attend if AFCON was scheduled after the season ended. This will surely make the competition more attractive and competitive. There will be no reluctance of clubs to release players and none of that club vs country nonsense.

Let's hope the big wigs at CAF take note and push for a change to the Summer in 2015.