Liverpool’s Rodgers backs Sturridge to become a ‘top European striker’

Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge has the potential to be a “top European striker” after his outstanding cameo in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.

The former Manchester City youth graduate replaced Philippe Coutinho at half-time and notched his sixth goal for the Reds within seven minutes of his introduction at Anfield.

Sturridge also struck the woodwork before setting up his strike partner Luis Suárez for the late equaliser which rescued a point against his former club.

And Rodgers, who paid £12m to bring Sturridge to Anfield from Chelsea in January, is thrilled with the England international’s impact at Liverpool over the past three months.

“He was outstanding when he came on. In the first half of the game we were too slow in our play, our movements weren’t as dynamic as what they’ve been in a lot of games,” Rodgers said at a news conference on Thursday.

“The intensity in our game wasn’t quite what it normally would have been. In the second half when he came on, he gave us a real threat – his pace and power were outstanding. He scored a goal which was a great finish and could have had two or three more.

“He’s fitted into the football club really well. He missed a bit of training last week but if we can keep him fit and keep him out on the training field, he’s got the potential to be a top European striker and that’s hopefully something he can fulfil here at the club.”