There was a big deal made of it when Torres was closing in on fifty and I'm sure there will be when Sturridge gets to that point. He still has another 22 goals to go!
Bit harsh on Sturridge this discussion. Torres' greatness came from his pace and natural finishing ability. Sturridge is just as fast, and has proven his finishing ability is top drawer over the last 12 months. One reason Torres was so good is he had in-his-prime Gerrard pulling all the strings behind him and played in a competent established team, Sturridge has an aging Gerrard much further behind him playing for a team in transition. I think Sturridge has a lot more to his game than Torres did, and will often drop deep to pick up the ball and help create. In regards to his perceived greediness, I would say Suarez is the bigger culprit here, constantly trying to meg or create something out of nothing. The only time this season the Sturridge has infuriated me with his 'greed' was against Everton. But he was on a hat-trick and we were 4 up. I'd take Sturridge
Since the OP didn't say striker I'll side ever so slightly with Sturridge over the 33 appearances. Torres played out and out, so all roads ended with him. Could he have played anywhere across a front 3? Over 33 games the more than double assists stats suggests either Sturridge isn't quite as greedy as suggested or again highlights his flexability across positions which I'd argue Torres couldn't do. Personally I believe this Sturridge in Torres team being asked to play as the loan striker would have got near to Torres figure. I'm not sure that Torres being asked to play in this Team in Sturridges role would get near to stirridges figure But hey, it looks like we got both at their best so, nice debate to have.
Good post Frank I was looking at them both paying as the main striker but Sturridge's flexibility is a great shout
I've got to say that Sturridge's biggest problem is that he isn't Suarez. He suffers in comparison. The fans love Suarez. Would they chant for Sturridge at the risk of making Suarez feel unappreciated? There's always a favourite striker in a partnership, usually the most prolific. Fowler or Collymore? Owen or Heskey?
Suarez is better than Torres was. Although Torres was a more complete striker. Sturidge is more difficult to compare even because he is a more similar type striker to Torres. I think Torres certainly had more skill at scoring goals. Sturridge does more away from the front too. Torres better striker. Sturridge better slightly at supporting team off front line. How much is that due to Rodgers tactics though? Probably a lot... so I pick Torres... but not by a wide margain. Sturridge is perhaps the most underrated and under appreciated striker in liverpools recent history (and of the league) he gets none of the credit Torres and Suarez got/get... and I think its because we have Suarez too. Sturridge isn't as edgy or marketable. He's a nice guy without controversy... the press ignore him.
He has plenty of assists to his name. Or are you referring back to the hatrick hunting when 4-0 up against Everton?
He did it against Fulham when we were either 2-1 down or drawing 2-2. I don't mind greediness in search of a hat-trick when the game is won but the team winning should come before personal glory. I have a feeling this is going to be like my moaning about Skrtel; quality player but a small irritation that not everyone sees straight away. I was banging on about Skrtel for two years before it got seriously noticed!
I can see your point but if it wasn't highlighted as being greedy before his arrival do you honestly think you'd of picked up on some of them moments? Not at all saying you're wrong but he speaks well about "the team" in every interview he does, and in the same situations he has made assists, against Newcastle for Hendo springs to mind. I was worried about the velcro boots when he came but he has seriously proven me wrong and he's currently my favourite player (hence the sig), just glad this debate is being had!
I didn't think he was greedy because of reports, I claimed he had velcro on his boots having seen him play for Man City, Bolton, Chelsea and England (u21s). His ball retention has impressed me though. He just needs to learn the right and wrong times to do it, hence me using "decision making" as a reason for opting for the old Torres.
