As reported by Express, Clinton Morrison has urged Daniel Sturridge to move to Arsenal in a bid to revive his career. The Liverpool outcast will depart Anfield after struggling with lack of game-time under Jurgen Klopp, and Morrison believes Arsenal are an ideal suitor for the England international.
The Ireland International said, “I still believe Daniel Sturridge is good enough to play for, maybe not a Liverpool or a Man City, but he could probably go to an Arsenal.”
But, will he really be a good signing for the Gunners?
Sturridge’s demise at Liverpool
Sturridge has failed to make an impact at Liverpool following the arrival of Jurgen Klopp. The England international has mostly struggled with recurring hip and hamstring problems. The emergence of Roberto Firmino has also played a significant role in minimising Sturridge’s overall game-time at Anfield.
The 29-year-old is yet to muster over 1,000 minutes of league football since the 2013/14 season. The English forward has also featured in just 496 minutes of Premier League action in the recently concluded 2018/19 campaign. Also, Sturridge has fallen down the pecking order not only to Firmino but also to Divock Origi. So much so that the Belgian’s heroics in the Champions League has forced Liverpool to hand him a new contract extension at the club.
What can Sturridge provide to the table?
Sturridge is a technically astute centre-forward, who likes to link-up with teammates in the final third. He is adept when it comes to making intelligent runs in behind the defence and occupying the defenders with his intelligent movements in the final third. This allows him to open up spaces for his teammates.
He is also a strong attacker, who is difficult to be shrugged off the ball. But, what makes Sturridge such a sought-after striker in the Premier League is his lethal finishing prowess. Indeed, the 29-year-old is proficient in converting chances and much like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, he doesn’t need any second invitation.
Should Arsenal make a move for Sturridge?
Signing Sturridge won’t be a bad idea for Arsenal given the fact that the Liverpool striker can also play on the flanks. That means Unai Emery will be able to utilise him not only as mere backups to Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette but also as a first-team player, with Arsenal still yet to sign a natural winger.
Most importantly, Sturridge will be available for free, with his Liverpool contract set to expire at the end of this month. And this could be beneficial for Arsenal, who will face budget restraints in the ongoing summer transfer window, having missed out on Champions League next season. However, he should only be offered a pay as you play contract given his issues with injury.
