Daniel Sturridge- The Next Liverpool Superstar

Over the years Liverpool have had superstar strikers that come and go, whether it’s world class strikers such as Hunt, Rush, Fowler, Owen or Torres. Or ones that weren’t regarded as the best around the world always damaged defences when they wore the Liverbird on their shirt such as Baros, Aldridge, and Crouch. Whatever it is Liverpool always have that man upfront that will get goals no doubt about it.

So today Liverpool has Luis Suarez as their next superstar who has so far done a great job succeeding the goal machine that is Fernando Torres particularly last season where he scored a massive 30 goals for Liverpool. However since last season’s infamous incident with Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic he will miss the first six games of this season (Already missed two, four left). Because of this many pundits and fans have wondered what Liverpool will do without Suarez? Will they lose every game? Who will score? This was to be no problem at all because Liverpool also had Daniel Sturridge who was also scoring for fun ever since his move from Chelsea for £12m in January 2013.

Daniel Sturridge’s move was called a ‘gamble’ from Alex Ferguson and a blessing from some Chelsea fans but since then Sturridge can’t stop scoring and silenced all doubters in style. To sum it up in 18 games he has scored 13 goals and got 5 assists, whereas for Chelsea in 4 years he got only 24 goals. Daniel Sturridge has always been a top class player ever since his days at Manchester City, so good that Barcelona wanted him before he made his move to Chelsea. Due to the competition for positions Daniel Sturridge found it hard to earn a place in the squad but Liverpool have saved him by signing him and now he’s scoring left, right and centre and could become the next Liverpool star striker.

So far this season Liverpool have made a 100% record to their season winning 2 out of 2 in the league (Their best start since 08/09, season we came 2^nd) thanks to Daniel Sturridge’s winning goals. Liverpool are also looking like a classy outfit creating many chances hoping to increase on the 71 league goals from last season and most importantly finishing in the top 4. With a great start like this who knows where they can finish; What’s more is that Luis Suarez is yet to return! Next up though for Liverpool is a test against old rivals Manchester United, come Sunday I would like to see Liverpool maintain their 100% record by being on 9 points. Many strikers have punished Manchester United; Fowler, Owen, Torres it’s now Daniel Sturridge turn to do the same.

Review: Steven Gerrard Testimonial

Yesterday Anfield paid tribute to one of Liverpool’s greatest players of all time, if not, THE GREATEST; Steven Gerrard
August 3^rd wasn’t a day for transfer speculation or Luis Suarez it was all about Steven Gerrard. A player who has graced the Anfield pitch for 15+ years. His opponents were the Greek outfit Olympiacos a team who Liverpool beat dramatically to progress in the Champions League campaign of 2005 of which Liverpool won remarkably. The match was best known for his late wonder goal (also for Martin Tyler and Andy Gray’s brilliant commentary) which is arguably his best ever goal in his long, eventful and legendary career. To make it more special Liverpool Legends Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler were also in the squad. In a sell-out crowd at Anfield, Steven Gerrard received a huge reception as expected and Anfield was rocking from start to finish; absolutely extraordinary scenes in Liverpool.

Over to the match it was a great one to watch, chances from Liverpool came left, right and centre. Iago Aspas, who has impressed a lot since his move from Celta Vigo was on top form again leaving defenders for dead with his dribbling skills. His brilliant flick on set up Joe Allen who missed a sitter, however moments later another brilliant pass from Aspas set Joe Allen, who was in the centre of Liverpool’s chances, up for a tap in. As usual Steven Gerrard with Lucas were bossing the midfield and Philippe Coutinho was working his magic not allowing the Olympiacos players to have a sniff of the ball.

In the second half legends Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler made their appearance which was met with a huge roar from the Anfield faithful. Robbie Fowler wasn’t up to his usual best as anticipated but it was great to see him back in Anfield once again. Also coming on was Luis Suarez who has been linked with a move away from Liverpool to Arsenal. Many, including myself, expected Suarez to receive jeers and boos but it was the complete opposite as his appearance made Anfield go wild in cheers and even the Kop started to sing his song; it was as if it was his testimonial. If that doesn’t persuade him to stay I don’t know what does because as preseason so far has proved, Liverpool have the best fans in the world and he won’t get the same reception at the Emirates that’s for sure.

Along with those big names substitutions Jordan Henderson also came on. Within 12 seconds of his appearance he scored letting the Kop know that he came on as well. In form Raheem Sterling pass broke through the Greek defence and Henderson’s cool finish made it 2-0. Olympiacos had some recognizable names in their ranks such as Vladimir Weiss, formerly of Rangers and Manchester City, and former Real Madrid and Barcelona star, Javier Saviola, but they couldn’t do anything against a strong and organised Liverpool.

The match ended with Steven Gerrard taking a lap of honour around the pitch, with 45,000 applauding the Scouse Icon. Although it was a special match business was done for Liverpool who have had a great preseason thus far winning 5 out of 5 scoring 13 and conceding none. Next up for the Reds they travel to Oslo, Norway to face Valerenga on Wednesday. The Testimonial was a match that I won’t forget in a long time, the only thing that was missing was Robbie Fowler scoring in front of the Kop or Steven Gerrard, one of the greatest footballers of all time, scoring a thunderbolt from 30 yards.