Kolo Toure: I have more respect for Daniel Sturridge at Liverpool

Kolo Toure has heaped praise on Daniel Sturridge after the striker fired Liverpool to an opening-day victory over Stoke City on Saturday.

The England international rifled home a low shot in the 37th minute to net the only goal of the game against the Potters at Anfield as Brendan Rodgers’ men kicked off their Premier League campaign with three points.

And Toure, who made his top-flight debut for the Reds on Saturday after joining from Manchester City this summer, has been hugely impressed by what he has seen of Sturridge since his switch to Merseyside.

“Daniel Sturridge, for me, is one of the best players I’m playing with. I see him in training every day,” Toure told the Liverpool Echo.

“I knew him when he was at Chelsea but now I have more respect for him. I think he’s a great striker. He never gives up, he’s very fit and has been working so hard.

“It was only his second game since he came back from injury. Look at what he did, he showed his quality and I’m really happy for him.

“I’m very proud of my team-mate. It’s not easy to play like that.”