The Sturridge Conundrum
As well as being Liverpool's biggest match under Jurgen Klopp and their biggest game in two years, this is also a game in which Daniel Sturridge's Anfield future will become much, much clearer. You could understand Klopp not going for Sturridge against Dortmund, when Origi was simply the better fit: hard-working, powerful, he stretched the defenders and scored in both legs. At El Madrigal, it was about keeping it tight, not getting carried away and securing a result, and Firmino in the false 9 has worked a treat before.
But tonight, it's different. Tonight, goals are the order of the day. 1-0 down from the first leg, if Villareal score then we need three. And that's very possible, I'd say even likely. 3-1 at Anfield against a Villareal side that are average away from home, in an atmosphere as incredible as the one we're likely to create tonight, with the players that we have and the way that we've been playing? Yeah I'd back us to go through even if we concede. But, and here comes the but: that's only going to happen with Sturridge on the pitch. Firmino as a false nine has worked wonders, but when it comes to pure goalscoring, Sturridge is the only man in the squad who has that instinctive eye for goal.
So here's the thing. For the majority of Liverpool fans, the Sturridge question isn't even a question. The conundrum isn't a conundrum. Sturridge is easily our best striker, he's one of the best strikers in the league and in world football and to be frank, when he's fit there is only one, maybe two strikers in the Premier League that I would rather have in my team. The club should do everything in its power to keep him in the summer and build a team around him. Supplement and challenge him, but don't replace him.
But Jurgen Klopp isn't the majority of Liverpool fans. And he clearly doesn't view Sturridge the way that we do. For Klopp, it's about the team, not the individual and I would make the case (and have made the case) that not starting Sturridge up until this point has been the right call. But either way, Klopp either sees something in Sturridge that he doesn't like, or he doesn't quite rate him as highly as the fans do. Since Klopp is, you know, not blind, it has to be the former. There's no denying Sturridge's goalscoring prowess, so there must be something else going on here. And tonight, there really are no other options. Sturridge has to start, and if Sturridge doesn't get a significant amount of game time and Liverpool go out tonight, there will be hell to pay.
This is a huge decision for Klopp, and he has to gamble. He has to gamble on Sturridge. And if he doesn't...well then the unthinkable, the unquestionable, for Liverpool fans the non-option may be taken. And Sturridge may well be gotten rid of in the summer.
But of course, there are decisions to be made beyond Sturridge. The back five pick themselves, but beyond that, the decision is up to Klopp. He might be tempted by a midfield trio after the success that he had with that (largely) in the first leg, or he might want to stick with a fluid 4-2-3-1. For me, both of these formations, along with the 4-4-2, all blend into one under Klopp when he plays the right team. And for me the right team all depends on whether Emre Can is fit.
Emre Can is an absolute monster, a one man mission of a central midfielder who will always give more than anyone else. He's a leader in the middle of the park who runs more, tackles harder and has more energy and power than anyone else at our disposal. If he's even close to full match fitness then Klopp has to gamble on starting him to partner either Milner, or Allen, or both, in the heart of the midfield. Allen and Milner both have to start for me, as they add dynamism and passing to the middle of the park. If Can isn't fit, then Lucas will have to deputise. I'd either play a 4-3-3 or move Milner wide and go 4-2-3-1, as I say, with Klopp they're basically the same thing at times. Then I would go with Coutinho, Lallana and Sturridge as my front three, maybe Firmino instead of Lallana. I think that playing all three of Couts, Lallana and Firmino is too attacking and fails to get the most of Milner, who isn't a defensive minded player, so all three plus Milner gives us no control in the midfield.
But I'm not Klopp, and I can say with certainty that I don't think the same way as Klopp. I'd be surprised if Firmino didn't start and I'd be very, very pleasantly surprised to see both Can and Sturridge in the team.
But then, I've disagreed with Klopp before, and I'm not Liverpool's manager. I just hope he makes the right decision, not the decision that I, or any fans, think is best.
The Hard and Fast Section
- City out, not with a bang but with a whimper.
- Kvyat dropped for Verstappen. Ouch.
- Murray reaches the quarters. Nice.
- New deal with Essex for Cook. Loyal.
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