Daniel Sturridge should not leave Liverpool this summer, warns Michael Owen

Posted Friday, January 27, 2017 by squawka.com

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has insisted Daniel Sturridge should stay at the club despite not being a regular starter in Jurgen Klopp’s team.

The 27-year-old has appeared to shake off the injury problems that have plagued his career this term but has still found himself behind Roberto Firmino and at times, Divock Origi, in Klopp’s striker pecking order.

Only five of Sturridge’s 13 Premier League appearances this season have come from the start and despite scoring just twice in the league, Owen believes the England international remains Liverpool’s biggest goal threat.

Daniel Sturridge should not leave Liverpool this summer, warns Michael Owen

"At Liverpool, I don’t think there is a player in that squad that is as good a finisher as him, he’s a very good finisher and he will score goals if he plays consistently,” Owen told Squawka while promoting the upcoming Star Sixes tournament taking place at the O2 Arena in July.

"The competition for the centre forwards place is between him and Origi really and Firmino plays up there on occasion as well and I actually think if he goes anywhere else the competition will be even stronger.

"And of course, Liverpool aren’t in Europe this season but will be next year so there will be a lot more games. Personally, if I was him I’d want to stick around and I’d be surprised if Jurgen Klopp wanted to move him on as well.”

Daniel Sturridge should not leave Liverpool this summer, warns Michael Owen

Sturridge possesses an extremely impressive goalscoring record for the Reds having netted 59 goals in 112 appearances in all competitions. However, he drew a blank in Liverpool’s costly EFL Cup semi-final defeat to Southampton on Wednesday.

The England international uncharacteristically passed up two golden opportunities to open the deadlock at Anfield and his profligacy was brutally punished as Shane Long’s injury-time strike ended the contest for good.
After the game, Sturridge was heavily criticised for his performance, with critics suggesting he offers his team very little when not taking his chances in front of goal.