Liverpool boss Klopp reiterates faith in Sturridge’s ability

Daniel Sturridge may have given Jurgen Klopp a timely reminder of his talent with his two goals against Tottenham in the EFL Cup but the Liverpool manager insisted he had never questioned the striker’s potential.

The England forward has had to put up with a part-time role in Liverpool’s season so far and was an unused substitute in their Premier League match with West Brom last weekend.

He has yet to score in 348 minutes on the pitch in the league this campaign but was handed a starting berth in Tuesday’s EFL Cup clash with Tottenham alongside Divock Origi – and subsequently justified his place by netting twice as the Reds reached the quarter-finals following a 2-1 win.

(Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Klopp has plenty of attacking options at his disposal with the likes of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Danny Ings – who came off the bench against Spurs – all pushing for inclusion.

And while Sturridge may be struggling to nail down a regular starting spot, Klopp insists that doesn’t reflect upon his belief in the player.

“That’s his talent, that’s his strength,” said Klopp. “He’s a finisher, he’s a really good striker, there’s no doubt about this. I was never in doubt about this, even when he didn’t score. That’s not in question.

“We don’t have to discuss the quality. Divock Origi didn’t score but he played quite well. Danny Ings didn’t score when he came in but he played really well.

“Daniel scored wonderful goals for us, really important. In the right moments, he and other players could have scored, and then it would have been perfect. It was really good.

“There is no discussion about the quality of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi or Danny Ings, it’s only the situation and you cannot play with four strikers. If you have an idea how we can do this plus defending, then come to me and tell me!”