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Work harder or leave Liverpool, Saunders warns Sturridge

By Daily Sports on December 28, 2016

Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders believes Daniel Sturridge needs to work harder or leave Anfield.

The England international has started only four Premier League games this term, with Roberto Fimino and Divock Origi ahead of him in the pecking order.

The Brazilian's contributions without the ball have made him a favourite of Jurgen Klopp's, and Saunders claims Sturridge's more languid style is holding him back.

"I think Sturridge is up there with [Sergio] Aguero, talent wise. Firmino has been playing up the middle for Liverpool because he is better at getting the ball back. Sturridge, for real cutting edge and hurting you as a striker, is up there with the best," Saunders told Premier League Daily.

"But he just can't stay fit and they need to get to the bottom of it because the injuries are holding his career back. He's not getting a run of games together. Klopp has to play him up the middle, but does he react as quick as Firmino when you lose the ball? No, and that's why Firmino plays in front of him.

"He has got more talent than all of them, but he's got to fit into Klopp's formula, which is: when we lose the ball, we've got to get it back as quick as we can.

"The No.9 that plays at the top, he's the first man on the scene and he obviously doesn't do it quick enough for Jurgen Klopp."

Sturridge's lack of game time this season has led to rumours that he could depart Merseyside in January, with West Ham one team who have been linked with the ex-Chelsea frontman.

And Saunders asserts that a failure to adapt to Klopp's demands could spell the end for his Liverpool career.

"Sturridge has got more talent than everybody, do it or you're going to get moved on. I think that's going to happen in the end because if he's not playing, he's too good not to be playing, so in the end they'll come to an agreement if that's the case.

"You would have thought by now he'd be sitting there thinking "why am I not playing?" You're not playing because you're not working as hard as Firmino."

Liverpool head into Tuesday's meeting with Stoke City in third place, nine points adrift of league leaders Chelsea. (goal.com)

•Photo shows Daniel Sturridge

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 28, 2016