Liverpool’s blistering start to the new season has the club’s fans hoping that Jurgen Klopp’s men can put in a realistic Premier League title challenge this term, with all the signs suggesting the Merseysiders will be there or thereabouts come May.
A somewhat disappointing 0-0 draw against rivals Manchester United on Monday was the first game of the campaign that the Reds have failed to score, with heroics from David de Gea keeping the hosts at bay.
Although the Liverpool attack has rightly been lauded after the excellent and explosive start to the campaign, there is still a feeling in the Anfield ranks that Klopp has to decide whether it is Roberto Firmino or Daniel Sturridge that should lead the line for the ambitious team.
The German coach appears to prefer the versatile Brazilian in the number nine role, with the Englishman seemingly being used more as a back-up option.
Sturridge’s incredible form in the 2013-14 season alongside Luis Suarez showed his potential, but injuries have blighted his progress since.
There is little doubting that on his day and when he is in the mood, the former Manchester City and Chelsea striker is as clinical and potent as anyone in the Premier League.
The trouble is that these days are too few and far between, with Sturridge’s attitude, work-rate and application being put under the spotlight.
By contrast, Firmino may well not be as lethal in front of goal as a fully fit Sturridge, but the former Hoffenheim man seems more-suited to the centre forward role in the Liverpool team.
The Brazil international works tirelessly off the ball, with his movement while the Reds are in possession also a key element of the attacking success the team have had this term.
Firmino’s link-up play with the likes of compatriot Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane appears superior to Sturridge’s, while the South American does not seem as potent a weapon when deployed in a wide role.
Given the amount of games over the course of a season and player unavailability, Sturridge still has an important role to play for Liverpool – even if he isn’t guaranteed a starting berth every week.
However, just how the England international reacts to the potential disappointment of no longer being a starting XI regular will dictate his future on Merseyside.
Klopp wants a cohesive unit of players that all buy into his footballing methods and ideals; one rotten apple could tarnish the group. I doubt anybody at this moment in time would offer bets on Sturridge starting over Firmino at the moment, including this site.
As such, with Divock Origi and Danny Ings also in contention and money to spend, Sturridge leaving Anfield in one of the next two transfer windows should not be entirely ruled out.
The latest weekly Betway Insider video series, Blow The Whistle, has debated the role the Englishman plays at the Merseyside club and whether Sturridge has a future as a Red.
They have invited you to have your say, with the chance to win a £10 free bet by getting involved.
Panellists Jack Green and Tom Clee have contrasting views over the tempestuous attacker and make passionate defences of their opinions.
What do you think? Voice your opinion on YouTube to contribute to the debate and to stand a chance of winning a free £10 bet.
[…] has frequently picked Roberto Firmino ahead of Sturridge in the lone striking role, despite the Brazilian attacker not being a natural striker. Divock Origi […]