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.