Is Daniel Sturridge the best second striker in the Premier League?

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Danny Murphy has hailed in-form Daniel Sturridge as ‘the best second striker in the Premier League’ and believes he could be the difference for Liverpool in the title race this season.

Sturridge scored his fourth goal of the season in fine fashion to rescue a 1-1 draw for the Reds against Chelsea on Saturday night.

Eden Hazard’s lovely finish looked set to end Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the league campaign, but Sturridge’s sensational postage-stamp strike in the 89th minute saw Liverpool claim a point and end the weekend level with joint-leaders Manchester City.

While Sturridge’s return to form may surprise many, but it won’t be a surprise to the Anfield faithful having watched him enjoy a prolific pre-season.

And Murphy believes the 29-year-old could be Liverpool’s secret weapon off the bench this term as they look to challenge Man City for the English crown.

“If Daniel Sturridge is fit, he’s a good as there is in the Premier League,” said the former Reds midfielder, speaking to talkSPORT host Jim White.

Jürgen Klopp and Daniel Sturridge

“He’s a natural finisher, he scores all types of goals and what he’s got that most other forwards haven’t is total self-belief. He’s so capable. He’s a match-winner and a sensational player.

“For me, he’s the best second striker in the Premier League by a mile.

“Gabriel Jesus has dipped a bit and you could argue Marcus Rashford maybe, but he’s not as naturally gifted a goalscorer as Sturridge in the box.

“If Liverpool can keep Sturridge fit and keep him happy, by giving him plenty of minutes off the bench and get him starting in certain games in the league and cups, he could be the difference.

“He’ll get 20 goals this season if he gets the games.

“He’s got 67 goals in 140 games for Liverpool – there are not many strikers with a better strike rate, and he’s not first choice!

“You shouldn’t really be sitting on the bench anywhere with that strike rate.

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“But if they keep using him in the way they are, with how fit and hungry he looks, Liverpool are going to be there or thereabouts. He could well be the difference for Liverpool [in the title race].

“I still fancy Man City, they have got a load of players who can score those goals as well, but I just think Sturridge gives Liverpool an extra string to their bow.

“Klopp has got a wonderful headache at the moment. Shaqiri looks sharp and Sturridge is chomping at the bit, and that’s only going to push the other players to keep performing.”

Liverpool manager  Jürgen Klopp also  hailed the resurgent Daniel Sturridge and he insisted that Liverpool were deserving of the point they secured in their 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

Eden Hazard had put Chelsea ahead midway through the first half, but a superb long-range effort saw Sturridge pull them level late on in the game.

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Klopp was also unconcerned about the form of Mohamed Salah, insisting that scoring is like riding a bike.

The strike, Sturridge’s 50th in the Premier League for the Reds, came just moments after he had been introduced as a substitute during the closing stages of an enthralling clash.

It also followed an emphatic volley against the same opponents in midweek and the Englishman has already surpassed his goal tally last term for the club.

“Thank God he is here,” Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com after the game.

“It would be really unlucky for both sides if he was not; he is in the best shape since I’ve known him, since we’ve worked together. Before that, he was in fantastic shape.

“He was always a bit unlucky with injuries and stuff like that; that’s how it is, timing in life is pretty important. Now, the timing is perfect. We need him desperately and he is fit. He is so fit – the fittest Daniel I have known. So, all good.”

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