Having read a bit about AVB and the way he likes to set his team up I think him coming as manager could be great news for Sturridge. He likes people with pace and that work hard and this would definitely put Sturridge ahead of Anelka, Kalou & Malouda in the starting line up of his preferred 4-3-3 in my opinion. I appreciate Studge isn't a natural wide man but he can definitely play wide in a front 3 and showed his willingness to battle and work hard for the team when playing for the U21s over the last couple of weeks. I certainly hope that Sturridge staying is one of the main things that happens this transfer window as I think he has a lot to offer us as a team
Malouda's form has been inconsistent since the day he arrived. On his day he is a top player but he can go weeks without a good game. Last season he started well and then played like a pub player until he improved near the end of the season. I would like to see someone with a lot more pace in the attacking three.
I would ship Drogba and Anelka, Malouda offers width when we play him as such and has some real class in him. To clarify, I think both Drogba and Anelka are class, but will pass their best in the next season...we moved Jimmy on and it gutted me, but it was for the best...same here...preferably not to a competitor either
Malouda should be kept but only if he accepts being a squad player, consistently inconsistent! Sturridge should definitely get some games this season, he vastly improved his stock in the last 6months and i'd reckon he has a place in the team. Falcao is also being linked, seen some games of his and he can sure as hell score goals! Predatory striker and scores left foot, right foot and some great headers! Doubt he'll fit in with Torres though, and for 26m im not entirely sure. A winger and creative central player must be first.
I remember when Drog first signed he was sometimes played in a front 3 wide and Falcao or Torres could play this role A natural wide player plus Falcao, Torres and Sturridge should share the responsibility of the front 3 with Lukaku getting some games under his belt but mainly as a sub