The difference between Red & Blue: Daniel Sturridge

We have witnessed quite an upturn in the fortunes of young Daniel Sturridge who looks increasingly dangerous and comfortable in the role he is playing at Merseyside. Quite a contrast from what we witnessed in his days at Chelsea. What has changed for the Center Forward from his blue days to his red days?




His opening day heroics were followed by quite a sensational goal in the second game of the season for Liverpool. Its not just goal, its the entire outlook that has changed for Sturridge, the decision making seems have been improved drastically while his dribbling skills were no slack before it seems like now he knows the purpose of his dribbles as well. The positioning has improved and even though now he is playing CF because of Suarez's suspension, the sulk he had at Chelsea is no longer there. It was quite evident that he was happy playing second fiddle to Suarez while he wasn't satisfied at all playing second fiddle to anyone at Chelsea. Is it the manager or the player himself who has vowed to make his name in a red shirt. Already he has become quite a Kop favorite where former blues have not been that welcomed at Anfield. This is why:

Brilliance from the Englishman! A new Kop darling in the making

We look at different perspectives to get a better understanding of the improvement from the English hit-man.

Team Atmosphere

Here we look at the overall method Liverpool are playing with: their main style is to keep possession and work their way toward the opposition goal aided with intricate passers and long passers i.e. Coutinho and Gerrard, but to top it all both of them have the nature to be providers rather than going for glory themselves. That has to be one of the most effective reason of the upturn of Sturridge's form and that is the reason almost every decent striker gets the bulk of goals at Liverpool because their midfield consists of players who are looking to provide rather than the mid of Chelsea whose first priority is to score and if they cant find that space then they opt to pass it.

Player Perspective

Its always good to go to a new club and feel loved, that has helped Studge, and the feeling of midfielder passing it to you to score is an added advantage. Furthermore, the style of Liverpool suits Sturridge well which makes the player happy. The fans are much tolerant and bear little responsibility on the player where at Chelsea one poor decision in the match would cause you to be moaned at after the game. Less pressure means more happy time for Sturridge. He wanted the CF position to be his at Chelsea but the order was a tall-one to conquer, where initially he was behind the likes of Drogba and Anelka, he later on was second fiddle to Torres and then the arrival of Ba made it very clear he is not first choice, that was it for Studge as he decided to move to Liverpool where he has been deployed centrally that too with another striker in Suarez. Maybe Chelsea should have changed formations to incorporate two forwards and they would have seen this Sturridge as well. Maybe!

Fans Reaction

Surprisingly, he was very well received from fans who do tend to give the stick to some signings especially if they come from London. The Kop likened him to be a hit and he has started to repay the faith already. The Blue fans also likened him but his decision making was always a big thorn in liking him and loving him. He feeds off the crowd and the Kop is always a better one than the Shed end.

Manager Trust

Even when Suarez was playing, a fit Sturridge was always with him; behind him or along-side him, he was playing in the starting XI. That shows you the trust Brendan Rodgers has in his latest prodigy. That gives loads and loads of confidence to a striker and for some one like Studge who is at his best when at his peak confidence level that is all the help he can get from his manager. While at Chelsea the Managerial game never helped him really settle in to somebody's plans. He was loaned out by Ancelotti, got good game time under AVB but then was no where to be seen under RDM, then Rafa came in and he was not there. Already having played under 3 different managers he must have hit a low in his career both on and off the pitch. Life is much more simpler for him now.


Which of the factors do you think have helped Sturridge settle in so well at Liverpool or what made him not such a success at Chelsea? Please give us your feedback. We'd appreciate it!

Thank you for reading!