Daniel Sturridge is seemingly ready to part ways with Liverpool this January. Sturridge, who had formed a lethal partnership with Luis Suarez at Liverpool, has seen his form wane over the years. His cause has been further damaged by recurring injuries and the striker is no longer an important player at Anfield. The likes of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have taken over the attacking responsibilities leaving Sturridge demoted to a role on the bench.
The striker has just made 14 appearances for the Reds this season and has scored only thrice. His time at the club has been frustrating this season and the English forward this season has not played enough despite being fit. He was snubbed for the Three Lions call this time and managers in other clubs might want to look at Sturridge as a viable and tested option who would be keen to join any club where he can play more with the 2018 FIFA World Cup coming up.
Liverpool is now looking at replacements should Sturridge depart and Salomon Rondon of West Bromwich Albion has been identified as a potential target. The Venezuelan hitman is considered an essential member of the West Brom squad. The 28-year old has a hard-hitting style of play and at 6”2, he is very much a strong number 9.
He has a towering presence in the box and is physically one of the stronger players in the league. The striker has 18 months left on his current contract and would cost the Merseyside team £15 million. Liverpool fans have understandably been left surprised by these rumours. The club’s recent history with physically strong number nines has been rather unfortunate.
The likes of Rickie Lambert, Andy Carroll, Christian Benteke and the infamous Mario Balotelli have all been transfers that have failed. None of them was able to shine despite coming to Liverpool with big hopes and fans are now worried that Rondon could follow suit.
As for Klopp’s style of football, ever since his early days at Borussia Dortmund, the German has been known for his heavy metal style. A certain attacking finesse complimented by an aggressive-minded team that can go on scoring goals and pass the ball around dangerously with a positive flair all day long.
At Liverpool, he has brought in players who suited his style of play and carefully moulded the ones already in the team to form an attacking team, which can tenaciously break down rigid defences. His game has been pleasing to the eye but leaves no space for a physical hitman who cannot drop down to keep the team fluid. Hence, the move for Rondon, should it go through, would prove to be one big risk for the Anfield club.
