Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge eyes successful partnership with Mario Balotelli

Daniel Sturridge believes he can forge a successful partnership with Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.

The Italy international appeared to strike up an immediate understanding with Sturridge as the pair helped Liverpool seal a 3-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur in August, just days after Balotelli moved to Anfield from AC Milan.

I think he’s a great guy. I get along with him. I feel we can have a successful partnership

Daniel Sturridge

However, Sturridge didn’t feature again for the Reds until the start of February due to a string of injuries, whilst Balotelli was unable to build on a promising debut, slipping down the pecking order under Brendan Rodgers.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Besitkas in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, Sturridge emphasised that he needs to build partnerships throughout the team, but added that he enjoys playing with Balotelli.

“For me it’s easy to play with, not just Mario, but with any of my teammates. I enjoy playing with Mario. I think he’s a great guy. I get along with him. I feel we can have a successful partnership. It’s down to the manager to choose which team he feels [is best].

“But I think I can play with [Mario] or any of the players in the team. I get along with everybody and you have to adapt your game to each individual. Whether it’s Mario or another one of my teammates, I’ll do my best to help and make sure it works for the better of the team.”

Besiktas striker Demba Ba will return to Anfield for the first time since the Senegal striker scored the goal which triggered the beginning of the end of the Liverpool’s Premier League title bid last season.

Asked about the potential threat Ba will pose, Sturridge added: “He’s got a good goalscoring record in England from his history here. He’s obviously a player who can score goals.

“But we’re not trying to pay too much attention to individuals. We’re going out there to do our jobs, play the Liverpool way, enjoy the game and that’s the most important thing to us.”