Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard sings Daniel Sturridge’s praises

Steven Gerrard has singled out Daniel Sturridge for special praise, describing the Liverpool striker as one of the most naturally gifted players England have produced in years.

The 24-year-old has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers this term, scoring eight goals and notching up two assists in 11 games to help the Reds up to second place in the table.

The striker, currently the Premier League’s joint top scorer, netted 11 goals for the Merseysiders in the second half of last season after moving to Anfield in a deal worth around £12m back in January.

And Gerrard heaped praise on the former Chelsea man ahead of England’s friendly clash with Germany on Tuesday night.

“No one is a bigger fan of Daniel Sturridge than me, I think he’s one of the most naturally gifted players this country has produced for a long, long time,” said Gerrard.

“I’ve told Sturridge myself that he has an opportunity now to become England’s main striker. When you look at his recent goal record, it’s a fantastic return.

“I had seen bits and bobs of Daniel before he signed for Liverpool, but having seen him in close quarters, training with him and playing with him, he’s gone up in my estimations even more.

“The important thing for England, and for Liverpool, is that we have him fit and available because I know he can do a lot of damage.”

Sturridge scored 13 times in all competitions for Chelsea in 2011-12, including 11 in the Premier League. He spent three years Manchester City before joining Chelsea in 2009, and was loaned to Bolton in 2011.