Sadio Mane left Liverpool after scoring in his team’s 2-2 draw at Sunderland, the former Southampton player left to join up with his Senegal team-mates ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mane has played a big part in Liverpool’s success this season after making his big-money move last summer from Southampton, his pace has given the Reds’ attack a new dimension and many supporters fear that his absence could see Liverpool’s attack struggle.
Mane is probably the only attacking player with lightning pace at Anfield, but manager Jurgen Klopp has other attacking options at his disposal, with Firmino, Origi, Coutinho, Lallana and Sturridge all available.
But I think Mane’s absence is just the chance Daniel Sturridge needs to get a run of games in Klopp’s team.
The England striker has endured a frustrating time this season, with only a few cameo appearances to show for his efforts so far this season.
Sturridge has shown his ability and value to Liverpool’s squad in the last few weeks, for example, he came off the bench at Goodison to play a major role in Mane’s derby winner before scoring in the 4-1 win over Stoke City, Sturridge also found the net in last Monday’s 2-2 draw away to Sunderland and his recent form could see him play a major role in Mane’s absence.
There is no doubting Sturridge’s ability but he has found himself struggling to get into Klopp’s side this season and this could be just be the opportunity he needs to show Klopp that he should be playing more regularly.
Although Sturridge has struggled for games this season, and possibly doesn’t suit Klopp’s style of play, I’ve felt all season that he has a vital role to play this season for Liverpool, and I really think this is his time.
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