Liverpool's all-time leading scorer Ian Rush believes Daniel Sturridge has done enough to earn a new contract at Anfield.
The 29-year-old returned from his loan spell at West Brom and has hit the ground running, despite playing second fiddle to Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah.
'I think Sturridge is a fantastic player. When he went to West Brom he may have realised that 'I want to be back at Liverpool',' Rush told the Mirror.
'He's got a second chance now and he's done really well so far. Hopefully that will continue. As for a new contract? Yeah, I think so.
'I think it's one of those where he's playing for a contract now. So it's even more important to him to show how good he can be,' he added.
Sturridge has scored four times for the Reds this season despite struggling for consistent game time.
And Rush sees parallels with his own career, having returned to Anfield from Juventus to play a supporting role for Robbie Fowler's partnership with Stan Collymore.
He understands the position Sturridge finds himself in more than most.
'There's only so many who can play, I remember when it was myself, Fowler and Collymore.
'There was only two places up for grabs so when you get your chance you've got to take it. It's as simple as that,' the 57-year-old said.
Over the course of the season, Jurgen Klopp will require a fit and firing Sturridge to make an impact, particularly if any of his front line forwards suffer with injuries.
For the striker, an season free from physical problems would be a huge step forward following his prolonged absences over the past few years.
fucabdmosy
1
He's having a brill game VS Red Star
jumakuony
1
Liverpool win win yeah win
lover2
1
I think Sturridge's problem is he was trying to play like Firmino.All he needs is to be himself ! ie play like a full number 9 and not like a false number 9.Sometimes he seemed like playing as a number 10.He was too deep which is wrong I think.
missionon
2
I thought he played well. Actually put a shift in for once and held the ball up well.
boostman
2
Tricky away game, had to play a more long ball approach at times and Sturridge did his job well, held up the ball, bought others into play - 3 points and on we go.
Hobart
2
Sturridge didn't play badly, when ever we don't play well we don't create much, as tonight showed. But play him with Firminho, who is a work horse, he will score most games, as he did with Suarez. He needs the service provided to him, but he does have the briallance in him to do things on his own from time to time.
lonxe
1
He did alright but snatched at a few decent chances , he tends to do better off the bench while firmino does better starting!
nanik
0
He plays like some girls. Fear to break his legs
makejin
0
He's better as a sub. He doesn't press the way Bobby does and he doesn't release the ball on time. Watching the game for 60 minutes before coming on and proving a point - that's what he's good for these days.
iunderstandl
0
He's an impact player. Maybe we should've bought an out and out striker, but who would've predicted our going off the boil up front.
Sidmaris
0
Cant believe hes 29 already. Has definitely taken Darren Andertons mantle as biggest sick note.
Movidas
0
I'm not gonna lie but Sturridge really should be scoring or at least be on target for Liverpool by now surely? He's a proven premier league striker.
Elsamek
0
I really like Sturridge, but with all the injuries he's had to endure, I don't think Klopp's pressing game suits him. I think he's best suited coming off the bench with 15-20 mins remaining. He could be our super Sub. He just needs managing to stay healthy.