Can Daniel Sturridge force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool plans?

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English forward Daniel Sturridge is set for another season with the Reds, as the Mirror reported that Jurgen Klopp will block his exit from the club, stating that it will cost too much to replace the 27-year-old.

So, with the ex-Chelsea man set for his fifth season at Liverpool, how could the Englishman force himself into the starting XI and back into Klopp’s plans?

Currently, Roberto Firmino is the manager’s first choice. Operating as a ‘false nine’, the Brazilian works tirelessly up top for the team and is a crucial part of the defensive pressing that Jurgen Klopp’s team is renowned for.

Not only this, but the ex-Hoffenheim man has the quality in bringing in his teammates as well as scoring goals himself.

In order for Sturridge to persuade his manager, he has to prove his fitness and desire. The forward started just seven games for the Reds last season, and 13 from the substitutes bench, usually making little impact or not having the time to influence proceedings. The 27-year-old needs to stay fit, get a spell of games, and score goals.

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However, he needs to do more than just find the back of the net. In some of Sturridge’s better games this season – at West Ham away and Leicester at home, most notably – he was praised for his running off the ball. He must continue this.

On the shoulder of the last defender, he was always threatening in behind with his pace, either making space for his teammates or latching onto a through-ball and finishing the move himself.

The 27-year-old was often guilty of not doing this enough, however, and not working hard enough for the team – something Klopp expects as a minimum from his players.

In 2o league appearances, the Englishman only made two interceptions and one block. From these stats alone, it’s clear to see Sturridge’s lack of game time stems from his poor defensive work rate.

Going forward, his 71% take-on success rate shows that he can drive his team towards the opposition’s goal but, having lost 100% of his attempted tackles and 10 of 13 headers, he needs to improve in the defensive departments.

As Firmino showed last season, the Liverpool set-up demands that the attackers form the first line of defence, with the creative players pressing, trying to win the ball back as soon as possible.

Sturridge needs to prove to his manager more than anything he has the passion and commitment to work hard defensively in Klopp’s system. The manager, fans and the player himself are all aware of his quality, the Englishman just needs to show defensive desire in order to force his way into the Reds’ starting eleven.

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