Daniel Sturridge Is Putting In Work And Coming For That Throne

There are valid critiques of Daniel Sturridge’s game. His tendency to re-injure himself just as he’s working his way back from long layoffs. His habit of taking the shot when he should really pass to a defender. Questions over how, or whether, he fits in with Jürgen Klopp’s system.

These critiques should not extend to his workrate or his dedication to the cause.

D-Studge took a little time off for himself at the end of the season. His exclusion from the England squad this month due to ongoing hip issues gave him a gap in his schedule, which he filled with a short jaunt to the US.

But preseason training is looming. And Sturridge, wanting to get his career back on track and prove to Klopp that he’s still an indispensable part of the Liverpool first team, came back from summer break a little early.

Liverpool players return to training the first week in July. But Sturridge was back in the gym this week, getting a head start on his fitness and conditioning regimen.

If you’ll pardon the language: this is a man who’s done f*cking around. He knows what’s at stake this season, and he knows there’s precious little room for error. He knows he’s got to get the job done this season. Whether or not he manages to make his case and remain at Liverpool, you can’t deny his desire or his work ethic. D-Studge is on a mission to get back to where he was.