Liverpool: Can Sturridge replace Suarez?

This is the time of year that is a bane and a boon for all football fans. The transfer window is open and every club will be trying to make their squad better for a push next season. Some big names come in and some go out, one such name which could be heading to the exit door is Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich leading the chase. The controversial but gifted footballer has come out and made it clear he would be listening to offers from outside England, blaming the media for constantly portraying him as a villain. Some of it has been his own doing but let’s not dwell on that, Liverpool of course have come out and said that Suarez is not for sale but there are no guarantees in life and the same can be said about football.

Losing your best player isn’t the most attractive proposition for any club but fans know that players come and go and Suarez’s sale would leave a massive void in the team. He has been the go to guy for Liverpool this season. Losing a player with an ability like his would put a massive dent for a club rebuilding from the past American regime and trying to enter the Champions League. Liverpool have missed out on Champions League football for the past 3 seasons and won’t be in any European competition this season also after they missed out on the Europa League place.

There could still be light at the end of the tunnel for Liverpool as their purchase of Daniel Sturridge seems to have clicked. The forward who was brought in from Chelsea in the January transfer window scored 11 goals in 16 games and provided 5 assists for the Reds. Suarez and Sturridge seemed to have created a partnership which was evident during the home game versus Chelsea. Suarez crossed for Sturridge to score the Red’s opener and then Sturridge turned provider for Suarez to score what could be his last ever goal for Liverpool (Suarez was banned for 10 games after biting Ivanovic in the same game).

Most of Sturridge’s goals however have come when he was not partnered by Suarez, suggesting that he can lead the line for Liverpool. He scored his first hat-trick against Fulham and scored a brace against Newcastle as well. In both the games Suarez was missing. We must also not forget there has been an inflow of creativity from the midfield of Liverpool. Gerrard  has been put in a much deeper role as compared to previous seasons, so the mantle has been taken up by the Brazilian Coutinho who has wowed the Anfield faithful with his passing and vision. With Suarez’s absence from the starting line up for at least 4 games from the next season, Liverpool will be more dependent on the pair to score goals.

Lets be clear, Suarez is not easy to replace, a player of his quality and ability is hard to get. Sturridge would not be a direct replacement for  Suarez , he would rather be a proper finisher in the box who would put away the chances that he gets. Liverpool need to strengthen their creative department as that and their defense are the places where they sorely need rebuilding.