Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge needs to increase his work-rate in order to become a regular starter under Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, says Kop legend Graeme Souness.
Sturridge netted twice against Tottenham in a 2-1 victory on Tuesday night which saw Liverpool progress to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup, but it's been a different story in the Premier League as the England international has started only four league games this season without scoring a goal.
Graeme Souness says he can see why Daniel Sturridge does not normally start for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp: https://t.co/5HA7muduL4 pic.twitter.com/08vAKZ6KwG
Souness praised the 27-year-old forward following his performance against Spurs, but he believes Sturridge needs to focus on improving his all-round game to cement a spot in the Reds starting lineup.
Speaking toSky Sports, he said:"The best team won,I think Daniel Sturridge alone had eight shots on goal. Divock Origi and Sturridge were the difference today, and the best team are going through.
"But you can see why he's not in the starting XI here. Klopp wants to play high-pressing, high-tempo. You have to be very fit and you have to be willing to run around.
"When you look at Sturridge, the first thing you see is his ridiculous technique. He's as good as anybody. The second thing you see is that you would never describe Sturridge as busting a gut.
"He's got wonderful qualities, but unless he can find that energy at this stage of his career, he's not going to be a starter here."
Fellow Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp was also keen to voice his opinion on Sturridge's recent performances, stating the striker possesses the ability to be one of the best forwards in the world on his day.
"When the team was named, he was probably thinking, 'Have I got to play tonight?'" Redknapp said. "There are other players like Roberto Firmino who are ahead of him in the pecking order. But all he can do is do what he's done tonight.
Daniel Sturridge scores his 1st goal in 7 apps in all comps, ending the longest scoring drought of his @LFC career #LIVTOT pic.twitter.com/DKoloL6aRN
"Play well, show a great attitude and score goals. He's a special talent. We're talking about one of the best forwards in the world on his day. That's how good he is.
"He needs to do it more often. I love the second goal, and with his pace, he's got to be running in behind defenders more. The last thing you want as a defender is to be running the other way as Sturridge comes through.
"For the first goal, you can't teach that anticipation. You cannot teach that. Robbie Fowler had it. Ian Rush had it. They just smell it, know something might happen."
Daniel Sturridge has scored the 12th brace of his senior career. He has gone on to complete a hat-trick once, for @LFC v Fulham, May 2013 pic.twitter.com/4RYxOXWz2J