Liverpool FC captain Jordan Henderson believes international team-mate Daniel Sturridge is one of the best in the world when fit, revealing that the former Manchester City youngster is more frustrated than anybody else when in the infirmary.
Daniel Sturridge has received criticism from all corners of the globe for his propensity to pick up injuries, while Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp also appeared to publicly criticise the Englishman earlier this season by suggesting that he needed to know the difference between ‘serious pain’ and ‘only pain’.
However, Reds captain Jordan Henderson has leapt to the defence of his team-mate, hailing him as one of the best strikers in the world when fit. Sturridge returned to the Liverpool starting line-up against Aston Villa on Sunday, and scored the opening goal in a six-goal rout at Villa Park.
Henderson suggested that the former Manchester City and Chelsea youngster was more frustrated than anybody else when on the sidelines, revealing that the 26-year-old felt ‘hurt’ by the comments made regarding his injury worries.
The Liverpool skipper is quoted by the Liverpool Echo as saying: “A lot gets said about him outside of our group. I know it hurts him and I know it is hard for him to take. He is doing things to try and get back.
“He doesn’t want to be injured. He is more annoyed than anyone that he isn’t playing. But now he is back, he has got a smile on his face and he has been world class. He’s definitely one of the best. When he is firing, he is one of the best in the world, really.”
Sturridge fitness issues mean Liverpool FC need to invest in another top-class striker
With Christian Benteke looking completely out of place thus far in Klopp’s system, the Reds perhaps need to consider investing in another top-class striker given Daniel Sturridge’s injury issues. Incredibly, the England international has missed 17 games for Liverpool this season alone, having missed an astonishing 75 games since moving to Anfield in 2012-2013.
There is no room for sentiment given the high stakes involved at top Premier League clubs, and unless Sturridge proves his fitness for a consistent period of time, Liverpool may even be faced with the prospect of selling him — particularly considering he is one of the highest-paid players at the club, with a reported wage-slip of up to £150,000 per week.
