Liverpool FC: 6 Transfer Targets for 6 Transfer Days, Daniel Sturridge
August 25, 2012
With nearly 500 votes, Daniel Sturridge is the overwhelming favorite to get the break down today, chosen by you, the fans.
Sturridge's story is both curious and promising at the same time. The youngster from Birmingham will be turning 23 years old the day after the transfer window closes. Perhaps he'll be seeing Red when he wakes up that morning.
He has an impressive goal-scoring record for both club and country, considering his young age. In senior competition, he's netted 22 goals in 88 caps for Chelsea, five in 21 for Manchester City and eight in 12 on a short loan spell with Bolton Wanderers.
Internationally, Sturridge has impressed at every level since Under-16 Youth. He scored a stunning 17 goals in 19 appearances for England's youth squad until he reached the U-21 level, where he bagged four in 15 caps.
In the most recent London Olympics, Sturridge scored twice, including the strike that put away Uruguay and won Great Britain their group.
The latest buzz on Liverpool attempting to acquire Chelsea's most recent bench-warmer has Rodgers preparing a bid if he's able to offload Andy Carroll in time, according to the Daily Mail.
Sturridge has been one of the less-heralded transfer rumors for Liverpool as of late, but let's see what he could bring with him to Anfield should he swap Blue for Red.
Quick Feet
Sturridge is decisive and deliberate with his footwork, and he has a good understanding of when to challenge for goal and when to lay off the pass.
If given too much space in the penalty area, Sturridge can quickly weave behind defenders and get into dangerous crossing positions right on the touch line.
Conversely, when left unmarked, his understanding of positioning himself finds him on the end of a lot of easy tap ins.
Power and Placement
Forwards often have to choose between power and placement when taking a crack at goal. When in scoring position, Sturridge seems to make the right choice more often than not. He has a way of making a lot of difficult goals look easy because of his ability to read the keeper.
Versatility
Under Andres Villas Boas, Sturrdige was most often deployed on the wing despite his natural position being at center forward.
That type of versatility is what Rodgers is looking for. He wants his wingers to think like center forwards. He wants them to cut inside, take on defenders and challenge for goal.
With Luis Suarez currently pegged as a center forward, the addition of Sturridge would allow Suarez to get back on his more natural wing.
If Sturridge can bring his quick pace and elegant finishing to Anfield, he may find himself on a lot of score sheets. Rodgers' system sees the center forward getting plenty of chances, and Sturridge has shown time and again that he's up to finishing.
Transfer Recap
Nuri Sahin
Yesterday we saw reports of Nuri Sahin getting ready for a standard medical examination for Liverpool. Today, the Daily Mail is reporting that the deal is all but sealed and Sahin is pretty much on his way.
The prospect of Sahin picking out Sturridge with one of his trademark long balls is a bright one indeed.
Martin Jol is still frustrated about all of this Clint Dempsey business or lack thereof. After Fulham's loss to Manchester United earlier today, Jol reiterated to media that he's still not received an official bid.
Adam Johnson
This one is going, going gone! Sunderland completed a shocking £10 million transfer to bring back one of their favorite sons from Manchester City. He could get his debut as early as Tuesday, according to the Sunderland Echo.
The drama continues.