Sturridge || The Double Edged Sword #15

something-red wrote: How can you say Borini is limited and say Aspas will get good? I honestly don't see it. In fact, it's the other way around. What exactly has Aspas shown or done to suggest he will become good? And before you mention he's playing out of position, so was Borini and you continued to attack him.

Also, Sunderland is a mess. We should honestly call back Borini, because there's no chance in hell he'll get on the pitch there. Too much politics involved with Di Canio gone. Won't be surprised if S'land go down.  

24-year-old can't stop scoring for the Reds

Daniel Sturridge has praised the role of top sports psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters in the flying start he's made to his Liverpool FC career.

The £12million striker netted a stunning lob in Saturday's 4-1 thrashing of West Brom – his 21 goal in just 27 appearances for the Reds.

Peters, who is credited by cyclists Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton as the man behind their Olympic triumphs, has worked at Melwood for the past 12 months.

“Steve has helped a lot in terms of mindset,” Sturridge said.

“He’s all about self-belief: don’t go out there with the mentality of trying to do something, just let it happen.

“I saw Didier (Drogba) in Miami this summer. He said the strongest thing an individual footballer can have is the mental. It’s not about the tactical, it’s not about the technical, it’s not about the physical. If you believe in yourself, that will set you apart.”

Peters recently asked Sturridge to mark his Anfield career so far out of 10. The bad news for top flight defenders is that the 24-year-old insists his best is yet to come.

He said: “Steve told me to say high but I’ve never been one to be comfortable. I’m uncomfortable getting comfortable.

“I think, for my capacity as a footballer, I’d say a seven out of 10. Probably even six — I’m being kind to myself saying a seven. I can do a lot better than I’m doing now.”

Sturridge has always been his own harshest critic but a change of mindset, coupled with the faith shown in him by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, has enabled him to flourish.

“I usually dwell on the bad points but I’ve learnt to appreciate the good,” he said. “My dad’s been surprised. I’ve been a certain way since I was seven — hard on myself and I hate losing.

“We only lost two tournaments, my school team, but I remember them like yesterday and don’t remember the wins. I’m talking under-9s. I gotta let it go!

“Even if I score three goals, I’ve probably had 10 chances, so should have scored five. I’ll never get complacent.

“I’ve been playing football a long time and the only thing that’s changed from when you’re 17 are the pressures, the crowd, the press. I’m the same kid I was before. I have the same abilities. I’m really happy how I’ve improved.

“Brendan has helped me tactically. He’s been hard on me at times but knows everyone’s games inside out. Off the field everybody gets along. You want to play for each other and die for each other on the field.

“Me and Luis (Suarez) haven’t played together long and we’re near enough always on opposite teams in training. There’s not much chance to learn each other’s moves but together we just click. We’ve not worked on it, it just happens.

“In Liverpool it's down-to-earth, hard-working people, just like where I grew up in Birmingham. My dad said it’s the same mentality. The passion for football’s unbelievable.

“People in the street know the game. Even the Everton fans, I haven’t had any abuse off them..... until I score against them in the derby!”

Interview wrote:England striker Daniel Sturridge has confirmed he is fit to face Germany on Tuesday after receiving treatment on his foot injury.

The 24-year-old had been a doubt for the match at Wembley after suffering the knock while on duty for club side Liverpool. He missed Friday's 2-0 defeat to Chile as a result.

But Sturridge told reporters at a press conference: "I've had a lot of treatment over the last few days and been working very hard to make sure I'm OK. I'm going to train today and I'm ready to go for the game.


Sturridge ready for Germany
"It is not a serious injury so I hope it doesn't linger on. I've been playing with it for the last couple of games and it has been hindering my performance. But it is not a problem for me, I'm delighted that the pain is not as bad and I'm looking forward to the game."

Sturridge started both of England's most recent World Cup qualifiers - the 4-1 win over Montenegro, in which he scored, and the 2-0 victory over Poland.

He has been in superb form for his club side so far this season, scoring eight Premier League goals in 11 appearances.

He admitted it had been difficult to have this momentum interrupted by missing Friday's game.


"God willing, I'll remain fit and if I can do that then I am sure the opportunities will be there."
Daniel Sturridge
"It's frustrating," he said. "For me it is important to play for England and an opportunity I am relishing. If I can remain fit, that is what is important for me.

"But God willing, I'll remain fit and if I can do that then I am sure the opportunities will be there and I'll be able to take them.

"The important thing is to work hard and not worry about anything other than playing football."

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McAgger wrote:All of his goals this season.

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