Team Focus: Sturridge Return a Boost to Liverpool's Versatile Attack
There was a sense of excitement when Liverpool’s starting XI was announced against Aston Villa at the weekend, though perhaps not for the home fans. The Reds came into the encounter as overwhelming favourites given the Villans’ perilous position in the Premier League, but the visitors' supporters’ expectations rose when it was announced that Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge would be making their first start together at Villa Park.
The trio prior to Sunday had failed to turn out alongside one another, with injury owing to Coutinho and Sturridge’s respective absences. Indeed, fans were not disappointed by the trio’s impact as they trounced Villa 6-0 in the Midlands. While a thumping victory at the home of the Premier League’s worst team is hardly a telling indicator at just how effective a front three Coutinho, Firmino and Sturridge will be, fans have every right to be optimistic of their future success, providing they can stay injury free.
Sturridge was the player who got the ball rolling with his 18th minute strike on Sunday, his third goal - all of which have come against Aston Villa - in his sixth Premier League appearance this season. Coutinho (8.91) and Firmino (8.49) ranked among the top five performers in the Premier League encounter, while prior to his 62nd minute withdrawal, Sturridge (7.68) was among the top-rated players on the pitch. One understands Jurgen Klopp’s decision to take the striker off with an hour on the clock as the German manages the England international’s return from a lengthy lay-off with care.
Given the lack of form of big summer signing Christian Benteke and Divok Origi’s own injury concerns, Sturridge’s return to fitness is a timely boost in their pursuit of a European finish, be it through the league or via the Capital One Cup in this month’s final. Indeed, it’s vital that a club of Liverpool’s stature secures a spot in Europe next season.
What makes the trio such an efficient striking trident is their intelligent interpretation of space. Coutinho, Firmino and Sturridge are three attackers who won’t simply wait for it to fall to them in a similar vein to Benteke. The Belgian is renowned for his ability to bring others into play, yet offers little in the way of movement off the ball. While this approach can work for teams in the Premier League, it does little to help a Liverpool side who adopt a fluid offensive approach.
With Coutinho, Firmino and Sturridge all interlinking and dropping between the lines to find space to attack, opposition defences find it increasingly difficult to track the three players, particularly as they don’t all remain rooted to one spot in the final third. Sturridge may be the focal point in the final third, but the England international is not one to remain in one place over the 90 minutes.
34 touches may not have been particularly high given Sturridge’s time on the pitch despite Liverpool’s dominance against Villa, but his constant movement opened up space to be exploited by his attacking teammates. One of those who could benefit most from Sturridge’s return is Coutinho, who provided the assist for Sturridge’s goal. The Brazilian was previously guilty of going for goal all too frequently when Sturridge was not featuring, perhaps in part due to the instructions of his manager.
However, with a lack of movement in the final third from those in front of him, the Brazilian attacker often took matters into his own hands. An example of this came in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Norwich where Coutinho attempted 10 shots during the stalemate - no player has had more in a Premier League match this season - yet he failed to hit the back of the net. A conversion rate of just 6.4% is the worst of all players to score five or more league goals this term.
Clearly, a striker who not only moves intelligently off the ball but is also more than capable of netting the necessary goals is essential in not only propelling the club back up the table, but bringing out the creative side in Coutinho’s game. Sturridge evidently provides this if his sporadic performances are anything to go by this campaign. A conversion rate of 21.4% ranks among the best in England’s top tier of those to score three or more goals.
With Firmino beginning to realise his potential for the Reds as well, the versatility offered in the final third is a timely reminder of Liverpool’s quality in attack. The club may have floundered at times in the Premier League this season, but if Klopp can keep Sturridge fit; the Merseyside outfit boast one of the most fluid and ruthless attacks in England. Coutinho, Firmino and Sturridge are all capable of pulling to the flanks or filling the void as the lead striker, meaning teams that operate a man-to-man marking system struggle to limit the trio's influence.
Provided Liverpool can keep Sturridge fit - a mountainous task in itself - then the club has at their disposal a highly efficient attack capable of firing the club to silverware and back into European contention
How effective do you think Liverpool's attack can be when Daniel Sturridge is fully fit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
