It’s little under three weeks until the new Premier League season gets underway and Daniel Sturridge remains a Liverpool player.
That’s quite surprising when you consider his loan spell at West Bromwich Albion was a disaster.
Sturridge’s move to The Hawthorns was seen as a final chance to revive his Liverpool career.
But injuries limited him to just two starts, and he was unable to play a major role in West Brom’s battle to beat the drop.
Jurgen Klopp was given no indication of whether Sturridge could return to his best form and many expected the 28-year-old to leave in the summer.
Yet here he is, shining on Liverpool’s tour of the United States.
The forward has scored three times in pre-season so far and flashed signs of his old self after coming on as a substitute in Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
STURRIDGE’S POSITIVE INTERVIEW
He recently spoke to Liverpool’s website and his happiness was clear to see.
“I love it here,” Sturridge said. “I love the lads and the banter in the group is unbelievable. I feel at home again.
“I’m part of an unbelievable group, we have a chance to be successful this season.
“Everybody is pulling together and being part of that unity – being together as one and trying to make this team successful – is what it’s all about.”
Watch a clip below, and click here to read his entire interview.
"I'm enjoying myself and enjoying my football. I can't ask for any more." 🙌
Back and in brilliant form, on and off the pitch. We caught up with @DanielSturridge: https://t.co/O3lgQxQnYG pic.twitter.com/TQNJQveO2R
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 23, 2018
Sturridge is clearly happy to be back among the squad and getting minutes in pre-season.
After watching his impressive performances in recent weeks, and hearing how content he is at Liverpool, supporters believe Sturridge’s future remains on Merseyside.
He's actually done really well so far this pre season – almost like a reinvented player. Hope he gets to stay and finds his form again because Studge is unstoppable when he's on a roll.
— Abdul M. Ismail (@AbdulMIsmail) July 23, 2018
Should of never thought about selling him, love him on and off the pitch, very humble player
— Jordon (@JTMonks) July 23, 2018
“Yup, I’m fully committed in wanting him to stay at Liverpool and play a role,” Twitter user @Timmeh93 wrote.
Watching that Sturridge interview. Yup, I'm fully committed in wanting him to stay at Liverpool and play a role. Love his growing friendship with Naby
— Josh (@MakeUsDreamLFC5) July 23, 2018
Loved that Sturridge Interview. No one play i’d love to be a success with us this season than him. If you told me he’s gonna score 15 goals this season, I know we’ll win something
— Tim Eales (@Timmeh93) July 23, 2018
He has been helped by Liverpool’s lack of genuine talent behind first-choice striker Roberto Firmino, which has thrust Sturridge into a position where he can play.
Just to further the point that Sturridge has a part to play this season…. just watched his interview with LFCTV and he really does seem more mature and could take on some sort of leadership role. He’s a good lad and loves the club would love to see him play a part this year.
— LFC TRANSFER GUY (@lfctransfershq) July 23, 2018
Indeed, it’s been reported by the Mirror that Liverpool are prepared to sell Divock Origi and Danny Ings.
That suggests that Klopp is ready to keep Sturridge at the club.
His changed role – Sturridge is dropping deeper to create chances as well as finishing them – looks like being the key to prolonging his Liverpool career.