Sturridge vs Firmino

I thought this deserved a separate topic because it's such a predicament (albeit a good one) we find ourselves in at the moment, especially after the game yesterday.

Sturridge proved again last night that he is our best striker and best finisher when he is played as a central striker but obviously that spot is currently occupied by Firmino who Klopp sees as first choice and works far better in the interchangeable front 4 we have firing in goals at present.

If everybody stays free from injury then do we risk losing Sturridge if he wants to leave and play first team football somewhere (which is very possible and you couldn't blame him) or does Klopp try to fit Sturridge in to the team and how does he do that?

For us to see the best from Sturridge, who is one of the best strikers in the league, he needs to be played as a striker and down the middle.

So what do we do with him? Where does he fit? And will he stay if he isn't guaranteed a starting place? Who do we take out of the team to fit him in down the middle?

I'm interested to know peoples thoughts...

I thought this deserved a separate topic because it's such a predicament (albeit a good one) we find ourselves in at the moment, especially after the game yesterday.

Sturridge proved again last night that he is our best striker and best finisher when he is played as a central striker but obviously that spot is currently occupied by Firmino who Klopp sees as first choice and works far better in the interchangeable front 4 we have firing in goals at present.

If everybody stays free from injury then do we risk losing Sturridge if he wants to leave and play first team football somewhere (which is very possible and you couldn't blame him) or does Klopp try to fit Sturridge in to the team and how does he do that?

For us to see the best from Sturridge, who is one of the best strikers in the league, he needs to be played as a striker and down the middle.

So what do we do with him? Where does he fit? And will he stay if he isn't guaranteed a starting place? Who do we take out of the team to fit him in down the middle?

I'm interested to know peoples thoughts...

It is a good predicament to have and one we've not had since................?  I can't remember actually.

I think it's harder for the fans to get their heads around, that our "best" player can't get in the team or at least get starts in their favoured position but somehow I don't think it'll faze Jürgen. 

He gives us options, a different way to play against certain teams, in certain games and all Studge can do is take his chances when he gets them so if and when the preferred tactics of using Firmino stops producing results, he comes in.

He may well decide that's not enough for him and feel he needs to move on to get that playing time, maybe it'll depend on what we win this season.  I know he has plenty of medals from his other Clubs but he never played a massive part in winning them and where would he go that he'd be guaranteed starts? 

He's already been at City and Chelsea, maybe Arsenal could use him, he'd certainly fit their style and he spends enough time on the treatment table to join their ranks of forever injured players.  Southampton possibly, West Ham the same but would we sell to those teams?

It's always a dilemma when/if a better player wants out because we generally never replace them properly and suffer afterwards but I'm not sure that would be the case in this instance.

This is a debate that has gone on across the boards for some time now so it is worthy of its own topic.

I'm Daniels biggest fan. When he is at the top of his game then I wouldn't swap him for anybody else. He is the most natural finisher I've seen since Robbie and for that reason alone, he starts in almost every game for me. You can't argue with his goal scoring record, it's as good as anyone.

I do worry about his attitude though. Although I think it's a bit of a myth that he's a lazy player, never presses and doesn't fit into 'Klopps system', I do accept that he could work a bit harder for the team and at times he comes across selfish. Its also very strange how under Brendan when things got really tough and we were in desperate need of goals (having to play a young Sterling upfront), Danny declared himself unfit every single week but as soon as Jürgen comes in and says get a grip of yourself he is available for every game now. When did he last get injured? I can't even remember. Yet it wasn't long ago he was 'injured' every single week. That to me sums his attitude up.

Firmino on the other hand reminds me of Kuyt almost. I like Firmino, I think he's a good player, but he's nothing special and I wouldn't describe him as 'world class' like I would Danny. Firmino will run all day long, work hard for the team and chip in with a few goals or assists too. He accommodates our midfield a lot better than Danny does an brings the best out of Coutinho and Lallana in particular. The three of them gel really well with each other and are a nightmare for other teams, adding Mane to the mix too. The only worry I have with Firmino is whether he will get the 20+ goals needed which I think all teams competing for the league need from their striker(s).

My preference would be to play Firmino on the left where I think he is best suited. It means Coutinho plays more central so we can get him on the ball and then we have a 20 goal a season striker in Sturridge playing up top. The only games where we bench Sturridge for me would be at our rivals away from home. Playing a team like City where they will play keep ball and we need to press and defend from the front then it is obviously better to go with Firmino. So apart from half a dozen or so games in the season, I'd have Danny in the team myself.

To be fair to Jürgen and the other lads in the team though, we're picking up points, scoring goals and we're playing well. We're joint top so it would be foolish to change anything at the moment. I just hope we include Danny enough so he doesn't leave us because it'll be a nightmare losing somebody of that quality in my opinion, especially to a rival.  If Arsenal signed him they'd walk the league.

Its a no brainer, Firmino all day for me purely down to his movement, attitude and contribution to the team. Yes Sturridge is the best "classical" striker we have but he simply doesn't work hard enough or make the correct runs to fit Jürgen's system. Everyone singing his praises about last night are missing the point that he played against a fairly inexperienced defence and also that he fu**ed up more chances than he scored from, that is not world class in my book.
At this point in time he would not make my starting 11 but he is a damned good option to have on the bench.

            Karius/Migs
Clyne  Matip  Lovren  Milner
              Hendo
        Lallana    Gigi
Mane      Firmino     Couts

That's our best 11, I wouldn't change it unless a time comes when it stops working.

Can't decide on which keeper

Sturridge is a great striker, the best in the league as far as I'm concerned, but we play better with Firmino through the middle I wouldn't change things.

Danny might end up pushing for a move but that's the risk I'd take.

For me its Firmino, Firmino and Sturridge or Sturridge and Origi.

Danny as the only striker for me is a no but if he has got another striker with him he tends to flourish. Still not sure whether his pace is what it was, though.

What's wrong with having a great squad of players, why is it only Arse, City etc are allowed to have a good squad?

I don't think Sturridge is going anywhere, Klopp speaks very highly of his ability.

No doubt Sturridge plays better with a partner but are people suggesting he is not good enough to adapt. He has not been helped by injuries hitting his pre season training then picking up another niggle.

The whole he doesn't press enough is a bit over blown by people.
Lewandowski was hardly a pressing machine at Dortmund and bloody hell Jürgen signed Immobile.
Danny needs to get up to speed and learn about how to cut off the passing channels and probably improve his link up play quicker than he has been used to.
Talk of the likes of Ings in comparison is pretty laughable, he has been 4th choice for a reason.

All the above he can do in my opinion and bottom line what  Klopp like all managers wants is a striker who has an instinct for finding the back of the net.

Firmino for Klopp's style but Danny is world class on his day! Firmino's movement is so important for our style of play.

It is a good predicament to have and one we've not had since................?  I can't remember actually.

I think it's harder for the fans to get their heads around, that our "best" player can't get in the team or at least get starts in their favoured position but somehow I don't think it'll faze Jürgen. 

He gives us options, a different way to play against certain teams, in certain games and all Studge can do is take his chances when he gets them so if and when the preferred tactics of using Firmino stops producing results, he comes in.

He may well decide that's not enough for him and feel he needs to move on to get that playing time, maybe it'll depend on what we win this season.  I know he has plenty of medals from his other Clubs but he never played a massive part in winning them and where would he go that he'd be guaranteed starts? 

He's already been at City and Chelsea, maybe Arsenal could use him, he'd certainly fit their style and he spends enough time on the treatment table to join their ranks of forever injured players.  Southampton possibly, West Ham the same but would we sell to those teams?

It's always a dilemma when/if a better player wants out because we generally never replace them properly and suffer afterwards but I'm not sure that would be the case in this instance.

Spot on is our Debs, of course,  and I'll add this, it is particularly more difficult this season having only domestic comps to play in, next season will be different,  we will need a much larger core of quality players to add to our developing squad,  including a other striker, so not much point in selling when you already have a ideal component,

Imo Sturridge on his game is second only to Aguero in the EPL, world class, he fits ideally in a Klopp system like what Debs hit on dependant on the oppo,

Not that I'm getting ahead of myself here but assuming we WILL be in Europe in some format next season rotation will be pivotal and completely necessary.

There's not many top quality strikers around who could fit in a Klopp side,  perhaps Aubameyang, but I'm struggling to find someone else, so for me Daniel, if he decides to stay will be pivotal.

YNWA

Definitely Firmino. I don't understand why people think he's just another hard-working player with good movements. He's a class act and a much better team player than Sturridge.
I rate Sturridge highly, but our first team are playing such great football that I wouldn't change anything right now.
Also, I didn't think Sturridge performance yesterday proved anything. We played against a poor Spurs side and he also missed two sitters. That's hardly comparable to his performance last year in the 6-1 win against Southampton.

Posted this in Studge's thread but it works here just as well.

He play's his best with another striker up front, in past games with Origi and him he has done well, 13/14 with Suarez up front he did fantastic. Our style is that fluid front 3 interchanging and making run/cuts and taking angles which again has never been Studge's game.

Somebody on TAW put it spot on....Torres was not a lazy stiker..but if you put him in comparison with Rushie, Fernando would look lazy. I don't think Sturridge is lazy at all but when you look at him next to Firmino he looks it.

He is what we would call a classic striker but I think Firmino is a new type of #9 which we will see more and more of in the next 10 years...the position is being redefined.

All that being said Sturridge can do crazy things with the ball and is by far our most polished finisher, it's an awesome problem to have and you don't here a peep from him complaining...he may go next year or not..either way he has been a great striker for us and we should enjoy the luxury of having him here.

What I love most about this discussion is how none of us would have dreamed of it 6 months ago, Firmino's progression is very exciting, and his ceiling just gets higher every week.

Firmino puts himself in as the first name on the team sheet, then Danny gets a sniff in a League Cup game and bangs in two, "your move Bobby". I'm happy to let that play out for as long as we can!

Either way it's a win-win situation.

I just don't get why, whenever we have more than one quality player fighting for a position on the team it's a problem. It's as if we aren't allowed a strong squad. EVER. Only certain clubs can have strong squads. What's that about?

Either way it's a win-win situation.

I just don't get why, whenever we have more than one quality player fighting for a position on the team it's a problem. It's as if we aren't allowed a strong squad. EVER. Only certain clubs can have strong squads. What's that about?

The other thing I don't get about Sturridge is the perception he is lazy. Granted he does not run around like a headless chicken and he needs work on closing down but lazy? I don't see lazy is he Danny Ings? no but to me lazy is Balotelli and Sturridge is the opposite of old Mario.

Another knock on his is attitude...this one I really don't get is he supposed to smile from the bench like a jack in the box or something? I don't see any attitude problems, don't see him going off on instagram or twitter like balotelli or Sahko...he does his business and seems to get along just fine with the rest of the squad. Just because he does not sit there with a permanent "joker" smile when the camera pans to him does not mean he has a problem..body language experts have this one all wrong.

He is a different kind of striker suited more to a 4-4-2 or a formation that has him with a partner up top versus a fluid 3 man front line...just because he has a different game does not mean he's not a team player with a bad attitude, it's just a different skill set.

I am sure Arsenal, Spurs or Chelsea would be more than happy to take him off our hands...though I do not have a clue as to why we supporters would want to see him gone.

Sturridge the better striker but simply does not have what it takes to play on his own in our system and what klopp demands. 4-4-2 Sturridge starts any other formation has to be firmino end of

Doesn't need to be and at many points throughout the season, it won't be an either/or scenario - the two have worked and will work together quite often. As long as we are winning I personally give a F**k if one, both, or none play.

That said: you should have fun filling your boots arguing the [ifs buts and what abouts] toss troops. 

A dilemma (Greek: δίλημμα "double proposition") is a problem offering two possibilities, neither of which is unambiguously acceptable or preferable.

This feels like the exact opposite of a dilemma to me......two solutions both of which are entirely acceptable/desireable........

As long as we keep piling up the wins.......

Must be me age 

We have waited quite a while for this conundrum , dont give a sh*t who plays as long as we keep racking up the wins  , personally like the pair of them .

Based on form right now, would still go with Bobby. Danny has scored some goals in the Cup but in the PL were the anti is upped, right now, would still go Bobby. Studge as guys have said, is best finisher in the squad, could easily have had a hat-trick last night - but in a tight tough PL game, Klopp wants people working hard without the ball, tackling, pressing hard, and he just doesn't do it.

Am kinda scratching my head saying it, but it's hard to see how Danny fits into the side long term. In the first XI you look at the work ethic of the players, the effort they are putting in, will Danny ever do that?  Would Klopp think, get a good chunk of cash in for Danny, and buy a recognised striker who he 'will' start in matches? Can't imagine Danny would want to stay if things continue the way they currently are tbh. If a player starts angling for a move, and they are not first choice, they generally get away if we can get good money in.

Form plays a part too and Firmino has improved hugely imo, he is stronger, more confident, showing good skill and passing, working hard - maybe not the individual finisher Studge is - but is 'ticking more boxes'. If he has a dip, or gets injured, maybe Danny gets more of a look in, and if he does Studge needs to take his chance. Origi did well last night and is pushing too - though it 'was' Danny who scored the goals, and would have him come in.

Currently though, great problem to have

Definitely Firmino. I don't understand why people think he's just another hard-working player with good movements.
He's a class act and a much better team player than Sturridge.


Also, I didn't think Sturridge performance yesterday proved anything.
We played against a poor Spurs side and he also missed two sitters.
That's hardly comparable to his performance last year in the 6-1 win against Southampton.

First of all it should be Strikers vs. Firmino because Sturridge is getting a hell of a lot more games than Origi and Ings. But on the wider point, why does there even have to be a versus? It's Horses for courses which is the approach Klopp is taking. Some games will suit Sturridge more, others Firmino. No need for pecking orders. You'd think we would be celebrating the fact we have so much attacking talent, not making unnecessary issues out of it.

Klopp wants people working hard without the ball, tackling, pressing hard, and he just doesn't do it.

The question I have is: why?  Why won't Sturridge press hard and work without the ball?

Is he physically incapable of it?  he looks fit enough to me. 

So the only other explanation is that Klopp has told him "I need you to press and work hard without the ball," and Sturridge said "sorry boss but I don't do that."

And if Sturridge is really telling the manager that he won't do what he is told on the pitch then he needs to be sold ASAP.

What I love most about this discussion is how none of us would have dreamed of it 6 months ago, Firmino's progression is very exciting, and his ceiling just gets higher every week.

Hey! Speak for yourself.

So what do we do with him? Where does he fit? And will he stay if he isn't guaranteed a starting place? Who do we take out of the team to fit him in down the middle?

I'm interested to know peoples thoughts...

We keep him as long as Jürgen wants him.

He's still our best finisher and you don't get rid of your best finisher unless you upgrade.

I read in several posts that some don't rate Firmino as world class.
I think he is! Why? Because I use a simple definition of world class player, a player able to play in almost any team and be consistent in end product(goals, assists, performance, passes, tackles). Firmino is very regular and does the job. He is not as spectacular as Sanchez, Hazard or Ozil; he might not be in the top 40 or 50 players in the world but he is a very very good player every team would like to have. He could play for Barca, Juve, Real or Bayern easily.

As for the debate,  I think that Sturridge should not try to adapt to Jürgen, simply because he is not the kind of player to run throughout a match. Messi walks during games; I'm not saying Sturridge is as good but I understand that some players can't run for whole games. Sterling is another example, excellent player but when he is allowed to rest between sprints and dribbles. That's how his game is.

Torres was that kind of player if I'm not wrong, he would give it all when he had the ball and more often than not, he would score out of good occasions he had.

Firming is a cracking little player hard working and all that but world class come on fella apply the hand brake , Pele /Best / Maradonna that's world class  bit early to judge for me .

First of all it should be Strikers vs. Firmino because Sturridge is getting a hell of a lot more games than Origi and Ings. But on the wider point, why does there even have to be a versus?

It has to be Sturridge vs Firmino because at present it's Firmino keeping Sturridge out the side with the way he is playing and we the best out of Danny when he is played down the middle. I see what you're saying though.

There's some interesting views on here. Firmino is going to become a world class player and I don't think he is too far off it already and it puts us in a great position. I'm wasn't saying we have to choose one or the other but I think to realistically keep top players happy they have to be playing regularly and with the lack of European football this season I think that might be hard to do without injuries playing a part.

Obviously there is AFCON coming up so we're going to be missing Mane so someone is going to need to come in there.

On a side note though the amount of stick Sturridge is getting from some fans is f**king ridiculous!

It has to be Sturridge vs Firmino because at present it's Firmino keeping Sturridge out the side with the way he is playing and we the best out of Danny when he is played down the middle. I see what you're saying though.

There's some interesting views on here. Firmino is going to become a world class player and I don't think he is too far off it already and it puts us in a great position. I'm wasn't saying we have to choose one or the other but I think to realistically keep top players happy they have to be playing regularly and with the lack of European football this season I think that might be hard to do without injuries playing a part.

Obviously there is AFCON coming up so we're going to be missing Mane so someone is going to need to come in there.

On a side note though the amount of stick Sturridge is getting from some fans is f**king ridiculous!

Sturridge has featured in six games, some of which where alongside Firmino.  We've only played twelve in total, and he wasn't fit at the beginning of the season. Origi has featured in four games, all as a late substitute. Ings hasn't featured in one, beyond as a sub the other night. So yes, it is 'Strikers vs. Firmino' and like I said, it's horses for courses. Some games suit a partnership of Firmino and Sturridge, some Firmino up on his own, some (like the league cup) Origi and Sturridge. Klopp himself has made it clear there is no pecking order and he picks the best team for the job at hand. Until such time as the man himself declares a pecking order then this is nothing but silly nonsense.

It's not even a debate. Now that Sturridge had a great game against a weakened Spurs side doesn't mean he is close of getting into the first 11 ahead of Firmino.

Firmino helps the team's fluidity 2x times more than Sturridge, and on top of that, he's as clinical in the box as Studge and has fantastic workrate (tracks back alot). No contest for me, Firmino anyday.

It's not even a debate. Now that Sturridge had a great game against a weakened Spurs side doesn't mean he is close of getting into the first 11 ahead of Firmino.

Firmino helps the team's fluidity 2x times more than Sturridge, and on top of that, he's as clinical in the box as Studge and has fantastic workrate (tracks back alot). No contest for me, Firmino anyday.

I know we're doing well at the moment and it hasn't been an issue for us as yet, but goals win you games, work rate isn't always enough.  There will be a few games this season where we will press none stop but we just can't put the ball in the back of the net. Those are the games where you need a match winner, somebody to come up with a bit of magic from somewhere, and Daniel is one of few players we have who can produce those type of moments.

Look at Tuesday. Daniel didn't have the best of games. Still scored 2 and won us the match though.

Studge is a class act, no doubt.  But he is better when playing with a striking partner up front and preferably one who will do all the leg work.  Firmino is a hard worker and skill full to boot.  If Studge wants to be in the starting 11 he needs to put himself about a bit more.  There are times when i have seen him defend from the front, get close to the opponent with the ball but does not put a tackle in.  Studge needs to learn how to work in a front 3 that is completely mobile and one person is the No: 9

Come on Studge you can do it

YNWA

The question I have is: why?  Why won't Sturridge press hard and work without the ball?

Is he physically incapable of it?  he looks fit enough to me. 

So the only other explanation is that Klopp has told him "I need you to press and work hard without the ball," and Sturridge said "sorry boss but I don't do that."

And if Sturridge is really telling the manager that he won't do what he is told on the pitch then he needs to be sold ASAP.

I think it's almost certainly the injuries mate, if you watch Danny closely he will run to close but he will only close the space he doesn't commit to the tackle or the block and he will not put his body on the line or throw himself at it the way a Lallana or a Firmino do. So he is putting in some running BUT the drop in commitment when the opportunity to REALLY close the ball appears is very noticeable when compared to his teammates.

Now in some games I figure Jürgen can let that go because the trade-off is that Danny is our most skillful player (along with Coutinho), he might not work like the others when we lose the ball but his quality on the ball off-sets this. In other games it's clear that the manager does not want any passengers so far as our pressing game goes so Studge sits on the bench.

He's a cracking option to have on the bench and he will start in some of the Cup games. I figure we keep him this season and chances are he will look for a mve away come the end of the season. There may be interest in January but we'd be stupid to let him go mid-season. Some posters have said that he will get plenty more games with European football likely next season but his contract will be on the wind-down by then and I also think the lad expects to play every game (or at least in every big game).

My faith in Jürgen is such that we would be just fine without him but i'd like the player to stay at the club and be a part of it's future.

It's not even a debate.

It quite clearly is, heading onto the second page of such.

Only one of them can play as a central striker, it's where they both play their best football.

It quite clearly is, heading onto the second page of such.

Only one of them can play as a central striker, it's where they both play their best football.

Exactly and the problem with Sturridge is that he looks better as a player when he plays alongside another striker up top with him as he did with Origi on Tuesday night.

Unfortunately he hasn't settled into Klopp's preferred style of play and formation for the league games, whereas Firmino does.

Hey! Speak for yourself.

Haha apologies Crouchy, well done by the way!

I thought this deserved a separate topic because it's such a predicament (albeit a good one) we find ourselves in at the moment, especially after the game yesterday.

Sturridge proved again last night that he is our best striker and best finisher when he is played as a central striker but obviously that spot is currently occupied by Firmino who Klopp sees as first choice and works far better in the interchangeable front 4 we have firing in goals at present.

If everybody stays free from injury then do we risk losing Sturridge if he wants to leave and play first team football somewhere (which is very possible and you couldn't blame him) or does Klopp try to fit Sturridge in to the team and how does he do that?

For us to see the best from Sturridge, who is one of the best strikers in the league, he needs to be played as a striker and down the middle.

So what do we do with him? Where does he fit? And will he stay if he isn't guaranteed a starting place? Who do we take out of the team to fit him in down the middle?

I'm interested to know peoples thoughts...

The very thought of Studge going anywhere is farcical.
How many Prem. sides would even consider letting a player, a match-winner and a vital cog in the attacking machine leave the club?
When called upon irrespective of body language or any talk of kamikaze tackles, he does the job and puts the ball in the onion bag.
JWH&Co would appreciate such farcical rambling about selling a star man.

The very thought of Studge going anywhere is farcical.
How many Prem. sides would even consider letting a player, a match-winner and a vital cog in the attacking machine leave the club?
When called upon irrespective of body language or any talk of kamikaze tackles, he does the job and put the ball in the onion bag.
JWH&Co would appreciate such farcical rambling about selling a star man.

Yeah you're right, it's farcical. Close the thread.

he's as clinical in the box as Studge

I'm Bob's biggest fan but that's a lie. Sturridge is deadly and comfortably one of the best in the league at finishing. Without giving it much thought, i'm struggling to think of someone who is better than him inside the box in the league.

Sturridge is class end of.

People are forgetting we are ten games into a very long season I'm sure Klopp will find a way to fit him into the system. It might not be every week but he is a piece of the puzzle albeit a critical one and talk of selling him is madness.

I was a little uneasy hand on heart listening to the Kop  singing  "Divock Origi"  yes he had an exceptional 20 minute spell but Studge got the vital goals and 4 years in we don't have a song for the lad.

Yeah you're right, it's farcical. Close the thread.

JWH&Co sold Suarez for a song, a rather bad example to use; to give them an inkling of any reservation concerning Sturridge is tempting fate.

and 4 years in we don't have a song for the lad.

He has 2 songs apparently mate and both were sung last night.

He has 2 songs apparently mate and both were sung last night.

Does he? I haven't been to a game in three seasons but I always listen out in the TV and I've never noticed one before, are you sure? I only say it because I could quite clearly hear Origi getting a few chants and Danny zings had a few renditions and that was simply for making a late tackle! I don't recall hearing Danny's name being sung after either of his goals or shots.

Does he? I haven't been to a game in three seasons but I always listen out in the TV and I've never noticed one before, are you sure? I only say it because I could quite clearly hear Origi getting a few chants and Danny zings had a few renditions and that was simply for making a late tackle! I don't recall hearing Danny's name being sung after either of his goals or shots.

I've no idea mate but that's what they're saying over on RAWK in similar discussions.  They say they aren't very good ones and not everyone joins in so it's not always audible on the tv.

I guess songs are harder to pick up on than chants that everyone can join in with.

At the moment it has to be Firmino. I wouldn't mind seeing both of them up top with Phil in behind at the tip of a diamond. Hopefully the gaffer will try that out whilst Sadio is at the AFCON.

They say they aren't very good ones and not everyone joins in so it's not always audible on the tv.

I guess songs are harder to pick up on than chants that everyone can join in with.

He's got the Dalglish chant ffs what more do the gobshites on rawk want?

He's got the Dalglish chant ffs what more do the gobshites on rawk want?

Cant ask for more than that.......

He's got the Dalglish chant ffs what more do the gobshites on rawk want?

No idea mate.  Do they count chants as songs?

I'm Bob's biggest fan but that's a lie. Sturridge is deadly and comfortably one of the best in the league at finishing. Without giving it much thought, i'm struggling to think of someone who is better than him inside the box in the league.

Aguero, Vardy(last season), Kane, Costa spring to mind.  Look I like Sturridge but people on here really do give him a bit to much credit in my opinion. He's a very good striker and I'm gald he's ours but he's not great by any known measure and he's certainly not the best in the league.

Without reading all the previous, forgive me if Inadvertently quote anyone.
Sturridge will be in contention when he ups his workrate/mobility. He just seems to want to do things his way, and that aint gonna get him in contention.

He is a different type of player than Firmino...Studge is not lazy but he has a totally different skill set than Bobby...that being said those that cried out for a "Plan B"...well I think its safe to say we have a pretty damn good one if needed.

13/14 our bench was Iago Aspas and Borini...after that it was pretty ugly..hell even with that it was pretty ugly.

Fast forward to this season...Sturridge, Origi, Ings, Can, Lucas, Stewart, Moreno, Migs.


What a wonderful headache for the gaffer to have, and its easy to see now why there was no need to go and pick up a striker in the Summer as we have a player in Ings that was wanted by no less than 9 teams during the transfer window yet he is 3rd choice off the bench here.

13/14 our bench was Iago Aspas and Borini...after that it was pretty ugly..hell even with that it was pretty ugly.

 

Sturridge will be in contention when he ups his workrate/mobility.
He just seems to want to do things his way, and that aint gonna get him in contention.

Its his way or no way .

He has 2 songs apparently mate and both were sung last night.

Did not know that Debs nothing audible ever comes through the telly.

Did not know that Debs nothing audible ever comes through the telly.

I was surprised to mate as I've never heard any songs or chants for him either.

I've got a feeling we will see a bit of rotation in the coming weeks with Studge rotating in with the front 3, Can rotating into the midfield, and Moreno rotating in at LB with Milner/Clyne taking turns at RB.  Players need the occasional night off and I think Klopp will start to shuffle the pack a bit, particularly as we approach the busy holiday season.   

Aguero...Look I like Sturridge but people on here really do give him a bit to much credit in my opinion.

Like you're doing with Aguero? No chance he's a better finisher. Neither is Costa.

I like Studge but I'd swap him in a heart beat for Aguero or Costa! A lot of people dislike panto villain Costa but I love him and am gutted he didn't sign when we met his release clause a few seasons back. He's a dirty nasty mean b***ard but he's a bloody good player who hates to lose, he'd got right in with a Jugen side imo

I like Studge but I'd swap him in a heart beat for Aguero or Costa! A lot of people dislike panto villain Costa but I love him and am gutted he didn't sign when we met his release clause a few seasons back. He's a dirty nasty mean b***ard but he's a bloody good player who hates to lose, he'd got right in with a Jugen side imo

No doubt Costa is a quality player and a nightmare for defences but he's the type of gobs***e who will get sent off in a cup final after 10mins.

Sturridge any day for me.

No doubt Costa is a quality player and a nightmare for defences but he's the type of gobs***e who will get sent off in a cup final after 10mins.

Sturridge any day for me.

I know of gobshites who would be offended by your comparison.

I like Studge but I'd swap him in a heart beat for Aguero or Costa! A lot of people dislike panto villain Costa but I love him and am gutted he didn't sign when we met his release clause a few seasons back. He's a dirty nasty mean b***ard but he's a bloody good player who hates to lose, he'd got right in with a Jugen side imo

Personally don't like Costa, and not sure he'd be a good fit, but would take Aquero in a heartbeat. Looks like Guardiola's making a bit of a hamish of things with him right now, but even if he left he'd cost a fortune that we wouldn't shell out.

The question I have is: why?  Why won't Sturridge press hard and work without the ball?

Not sure. He can obviously work harder, get stuck in a bit more, but it's hasn't been his game to date, and doesn't look like he has the mentality or the real desire to go change it an extent that would satisfy Jürgen. Right now anyway.

And if something did happen to Firmino, I *think* Studge would be next in line, but would anyone really be that surprised if Jürgen turned to Origi instead?

Personally don't like Costa, and not sure he'd be a good fit, but would take Aquero in a heartbeat. Looks like Guardiola's making a bit of a hamish of things with him right now, but even if he left he'd cost a fortune that we wouldn't shell out.

Apart from that mate Costa really only ''fits'' into a team of cu*ts such as Chelsea.

Danny is the best striker we have but we clearly play a lot better as a team with Firminho, Coutinho, Lallana and Mane up top. Do you preserve the best attacking football we've had since that BR season and risk losing one of the best strikers in the league? Or do you disrupt everything for the sake of accommodating a striker?

I wouldn't change the system personally, I think the challenge is for Danny to adapt to Klopp's style. If he can do that, he'll be absolutely lethal with this set up. If he can't, he needs to be content with the bench more often than not.

The only concern is if he left, we don't have a strong enough bench to cover for injuries to one of those key players mentioned.

Apart from that mate Costa really only ''fits'' into a team of cu*ts such as Chelsea.

We were after Costa  when Arsenal made a bid for Suarez in that summer. I do remember alot of our fans wanting him to come to Liverpool.

We were after Costa  when Arsenal made a bid for Suarez in that summer. I do remember alot of our fans wanting him to come to Liverpool.

I don't.

We were after Costa  when Arsenal made a bid for Suarez in that summer. I do remember alot of our fans wanting him to come to Liverpool.

Not sure it was that summer, but we even put a bid in for him at one point, that was turned down.
Not sure if it was the player or the club who said no.

You're right in saying that a lot of fans wanted him to come though.
He was very highly rated even when he was playing out of position on the wing.

Some are more interested in sour grapes than history though, which is why they try to re-write it.

Sturridge is our player. Doesn't matter if he is in the first 11 or not, he is class! why do we need a first 11? once we get further in league cup and we have FA cup, we will be rotating players anyway. If we get in CL, he will be getting some good minutes. You guys seem to think that the one game a week football will be hear next season too.. it most likely won't. If we somehow fail to qualify for the champions league another season... it would be a more suitable time to think about making a choice, if we get into CL.. there is no need to.

Brilliant day today, but did not even a sub appearance for Danny, Origi coming on instead.

Firmino showing very clearly though why he is first choice right now.

That finish...

I don't.

Not him personally, but a player like Costa. Someone with a ruthless side, a bit dirty and a real grafter. Get Luis back!