Among the current crop of Liverpool strikers, Daniel Sturridge, without a shadow of doubt, is the team's best striker, but injuries have been a major concern for the Englishman. Liverpool represents a huge threat offensively when Sturridge is on the pitch, making those perfectly-timed runs in behind the defenders.
His attributes were on full show against Aston Villa on Sunday, with Sturrdige opening the goalscoring for Liverpool, who went on to hammer six goals past their opponents Aston Villa.
"He makes a huge difference," Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
"You can see in the games that he has played how much he has been missed. He has been brilliant since he has come back training and is looking really sharp. Hopefully he can continue to stay fit and cause problems when he plays."
Liverpool looks a strong unit when Sturridge starts, as was witnessed not just in this Aston Villa game at the weekend, but also in the match against Southampton in the League Cup game in December, when the striker scored a brace. Liverpool defeated Southampton 6-1 that night. A hamstring injury immediately followed that match, sidelining him for another prolonged period of time.
Sturridge and his fitness has always been a subject of discussion, as he has had multiple injuries in his career.
"You have to understand he has been more frustrated than anyone at being out. There is a lot gets said about him outside of our group. I know it hurts him and I know it is hard for him to take," Henderson added on Sturridge.
"He is doing things to try and get back. He doesn't want to be injured. He is more annoyed than anyone that he isn't playing. But now he is back, he has got a smile on his face."
Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp must be mighty pleased with the player's performance on Sunday and will hope that the striker remains fit. Liverpool has had to bank on Roberto Firmino for goals, with Klopp deploying the Brazilian in a false number nine position in the EPL. Klopp remains unconvinced of Christian Benteke.
Klopp had to make such changes with other strikers like Divock Origi and Danny Ings injured. However, Origi, who has recovered now, and the Belgian came off the bench to score a goal against Aston Villa, which is an encouraging sign.
There are some key games coming up for Liverpool, which includes Europa League matches and the all-important League Cup final against Manchester City on February 28. Daniel Sturridge will hold the key for Liverpool if they are to win any silverware this season and fans will not want to hear the dreaded news -- Sturridge injured once again -- for the remainder of the season.
