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| Brendan Rodgers believes Daniel Sturridge can make Liverpool title contenders |
BRENDAN RODGERS believes Daniel Sturridge can transform Liverpool into contenders once again providing he steers clear of injury.
Sturridge’s clinical brace in the much-needed victory over Aston Villa on Saturday was a reminder of the menace his team-mates have sorely missed.
The forward made just 18 appearances last season during a campaign wrecked by injuries and which ended with him requiring hip surgery that caused him to miss the start of this term.
Sturridge did not feature in any of Liverpool’s three cup semi-finals last season and Rodgers agreed the England international’s presence could have been the difference between lifting silverware and missing out.
“He is in that elite band of player,” said Rodgers. “We’ve seen the brand of football we can create when we have that talent available.
“He played a massive part in that, so if he stays fit and others come into the reckoning we can piece together an exciting team again. Those players make the difference.
“We haven’t scored three goals since he last started a game [Tottenham in February].
“He gives you a big opportunity to win games and compete at the top end of the table. He is a fantastic talent and now the job is hopefully he can stay fit.”
Liverpool will assess the fitness of £32.5m Christian Benteke this week before Sunday’s Merseyside derby showdown with Everton.
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