Daniel Sturridge vital for club and country - Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson
Tuesday 27 December 2016 14:58, UK
Daniel Sturridge has received a glowing endorsement from club captain Jordan Henderson, who says the Liverpool frontman is England's best centre-forward.
Sturridge has netted six times this season but has not scored in the Premier League since April.
The striker was instrumental in Liverpool's derby win at Goodison Park last week as he came off the bench and ran at the Everton defence in added-time, rattling the post with a shot that Sadio Mane followed up and slotted in to cap a memorable 1-0 victory.
"Of course it was Sadio's name that appeared on the scoresheet, but he'll be the first to point out the massive role Daniel Sturridge played in the win," Henderson wrote in Liverpool's matchday programme ahead of Tuesday's clash with Stoke at Anfiel, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.
"Studge is such an important player for us and he's already made a big contribution this season and will have an even bigger one to make between now and May.
"I know people rave about Studge's finishing, but he's showed this season, when starting games and coming off the bench, that his quality helps the team even when he's not the one putting the ball into the back of the net.
"Maybe that sometimes gets lost on the outside where there is a bigger focus on goals, but inside our dressing room we see everything Studge brings to the team and squad.
"I'm lucky I play with him for both club and country and I personally don't think there's a better English centre-forward."
Meanwhile, Stoke boss Mark Hughes has echoed Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's sentiments that Liverpool can win the Premier League.
Ahead of his side's visit to Anfield, Hughes said: "Do I think Liverpool can do it? Yes, they're capable without a doubt and they have the potential to win it.
"Liverpool will feel this is a good opportunity to get rid of that weight [of expectation]and have a period of success like they had in the 80s and early 90s.
"They seem to have the belief they can and it seems a really positive club again."
