Sturridge best second-choice striker in Premier League, says Murphy

Jack Sear

Sturridge best second-choice striker in Premier League, says Murphy image

Danny Murphy believes Daniel Sturridge is the best second-choice striker in the Premier League.

The Liverpool forward netted a stunning late equaliser against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and has four goals to his name already this season.

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Sturridge, 29, has endured a difficult few years thwarted by numerous injury issues and was shipped out on loan to West Brom for the second half of last season.

Many expected him to make a permanent exit from Liverpool in the summer, with Reds striker Roberto Firmino continuing to impress as the club’s number one striker.

But Sturridge has impressed Jürgen Klopp upon his return to Anfield and former Reds midfielder Murphy believes the ex-Chelsea and Manchester City forward is currently the best back-up striker in the Premier League.

“The biggest bonus for Klopp is Daniel Sturridge. I said in the summer he could save Liverpool money in the transfer market and he's shown what an impact he can make if he's patient,” Murphy wrote in his column for the Mail On Sunday.

“Roberto Firmino is Liverpool's first-choice striker but Sturridge must be the best second-choice in the Premier League.”

Sturridge’s Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah has had a more difficult start to the season and was hauled off by Klopp in the 66th minute at Stamford Bridge.

Salah has three goals to his name so far this season and has struggled to regain the form from his record-breaking debut campaign for the Reds.

But Murphy believes the Egyptian is edging closer to a return to his clinical best.

“To me, Salah looked sharp (against Chelsea) and I don't think it'll be long before he's back to last season's form," he said. "The game can be about fine margins and from what I saw Salah is getting in the right places, doing the right things. 

“That final little bit is missing but if he continues to play as he's doing, the golden touch will return.”

Jack Sear