Daniel Sturridge scored twice on Tuesday night as Liverpool beat Spurs 2-1 in the League Cup. The game was just Sturridge's fifth start of the season for Liverpool. His first in a month came in that turgid 'Red Monday' game against Man Utd eight days previous.
It looks like Sturridge has fallen down Jurgen Klopp's list of preferred starting attackers. Constant injuries have not helped. According to Graeme Souness, neither has Sturridge's playing style.
Souness believes the 27-year-old's game lacks the energy which Klopp requires of his players.
The best team won. I think Daniel Sturridge alone had eight shots on goal. Divock Origi and Sturridge were the difference today, and the best team are going through.
But you can see why he's not in the starting XI here. Klopp wants to play high-pressing, high-tempo. You have to be very fit and you have to be willing to run around.
When you look at Sturridge, the first thing you see is his ridiculous technique. He's as good as anybody. The second thing you see is that you would never describe Sturridge as busting a gut.
He's got wonderful qualities, but unless he can find that energy at this stage of his career, he's not going to be a starter here.
