http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/rodgers-cameo-showed-his-class Brendan Rodgers believes Daniel Sturridge's stunning second-half showing against Chelsea last weekend demonstrated he has the potential to become one of the most exciting strikers in European football. The forward came off the bench against his former side and drew the Reds level soon after with a neat finish having earlier struck the post with a long-range effort. It was Sturridge's cross that also set up Luis Suarez's injury-time equaliser in the 2-2 draw - and Rodgers was delighted with the impact he had on the contest. The boss told his pre-Newcastle press conference: "He was outstanding when he came on. In the first half of the game we were too slow in our play, our movements weren't as dynamic as what they've been in a lot of games. "The intensity in our game wasn't quite what it normally would have been. In the second half when he came on, he gave us a real threat - his pace and power were outstanding. He scored a goal which was a great finish and could have had two or three more. "He's fitted into the football club really well. He missed a bit of training last week but if we can keep him fit and keep him out on the training field, he's got the potential to be a top European striker and that's hopefully something he can fulfil here at the club." Sturridge made a dream start to his Liverpool career after completing a transfer from Chelsea in January, scoring in each of his first three games. He's since added three further goals, though the No.15 has also spent time on the substitutes' bench in recent weeks. Rodgers, however, has no qualms about Sturridge's ability to perform at a consistently high level. The boss said: "The success for Daniel will be making sure we can get him out on the training field every day, and once he does that he's ready and prepared fully for the games. "He's only been here a short time, but in the times he has trained and then gone out and played, he's shown he is one of the top strikers in the country. "We're hoping we can maintain that training mentality. When he takes that into the games, he's a real, real threat for us." Sturridge could be set to lead Liverpool's forward line in the remaining four matches of the season due to Luis Suarez's suspension. Nonetheless, Rodgers insists it is the responsibility of everyone within the team to share the task of scoring goals - not just Sturridge. He stated: "It's the team's responsibility. I said to the players the other day, whatever happens with Luis, there's a plan for him to make sure he's a part of the group and doesn't feel isolated. Of course, he can't play but there's a plan. "There's also a plan going forward for the team - we have to keep progressing. That's about the team showing their solidarity on the field and making sure that one player doesn't feel that burden. "It's really about the team's responsibility now to push on." Newcastle United are next up for Liverpool in Saturday's teatime kick-off at St James's Park. The Toon Army are currently in 16th position in the Barclays Premier League - though Rodgers is well aware they have plenty of players who can pose a threat to the Reds. "Alan and the team will be very disappointed with this season, having finished fifth last year," he said. "But one thing we know is they've got quality - Cisse, Cabaye and Sissoko who has come in. The January window worked really, really well for Alan. They brought in some terrific players and that has given them a boost. "We understand it will be a difficult game, but if we show the intensity we did in the second half [against Chelsea] when we played really, really well - and could have arguably gone on and won the game - we'll always back ourselves to get a good result."
Football! Thank ****!!! These stories are nice for Sturridge but I do want to see him consistently play well and be on the pitch. not blow hot and cold.
When he's up for it he's superb, as shown against City and Chelsea, and in his first few games. You can see why the Chelsea fans got irritated by him, hopefully Rodgers will have a quiet word with him, it's all well and good being up for it when it suits you but at LFC you need to give 100% every game. With that said, he seems like a down to earth chap and I'm sure he knows this, we'll just have to wait and see but if he gets his head on straight he'll be a real top player.
I'm not sure if there is any bigger motivation for him other than being the lead striker for LFC until the end of the season. Big chance for him to show everyone what he can do, and if he can rise and become the main man.
If he can stay fit. Played really well against Chelsea but then he put more effort in than in recent weeks. Sometimes looks excellent sometimes looks like he left his brain out when he got out of bed. I know this won't go down well but...I think he'd play well in a front two with Carroll
I'm assuming BR means when he's fit to train it reflects in his match performances? Rather than if he can be arsed that week!!!
I get the feeling we bought him when he wasn't match fit, aggravated his injury and haven't given him a proper rest. I want to see him recuperate, get back to full fitness and then become a part of the first 11.
This. I don't agree that he's looked hot and cold, tbh, he always seemed to work hard. On the other hand, you could see that something was bothering, probably carried an injury far longer than he let on.
I'm hoping inconsistency isn't why he couldn't get a game at Chelsea. But, like Carroll, he's young and his best years are ahead of him. On a slightly related note, Chelsea fans on TalkSport are being asked if they'd take Rodgers, among others, instead of Rafa. Nobody's said yes so far, though they would take Laudrup.
I wanted Laudrup ahead of BR, but happy to give him time still. Sturridge I can't work out. Not sure if he'll be great or underachieve like so many other talents. Hopefully he can push on next season after a full rest and pre-season.
I think to be fair Drogba would have been tough to shift by any player. Sturridge has talent but really seems to lack game intelligence. This may well be down to lack of games and being in a new team but definitely something he's got to develop. Hopefully he gets the time and can stay fit. As for Chelsea fans on TalkShite, if they don't like Rodgers that's probably a big tick in the box for him
I share your concern - however, our attack looks a lot better with him in it, and I'm a lot more confident. Although, I would prefer Suarez in the team alongside him as well.
Amen to that I guess it gives him a chance to prove whether he can lead the line now and he certainly seems to have the confidence in himself to not find that too daunting
