Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge 'surprised' by Naby Keita's wide-range ability
ESPN FC's Charlie Gibson and Jonathan Smith take to the streets of New York to look ahead to the ICC clash between Manchester City and Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp believes the future is bright at Liverpool for Daniel Sturridge, with the striker proving his fitness in pre-season. Christian Pulisic put in an inspired performance with two goals for Dortmund as they came from behind to defeat Liverpool.
New Liverpool signing Naby Keita has surprised Daniel Sturridge with his wide-ranging ability.
Keita agreed to join Liverpool in 2017 but only officially became a Reds player this summer, spending last season with RB Leipzig. Sturridge admits he hasn't followed the Bundesliga too closely and has been taken aback by the Guinean's abilities.
"I love that guy. I'm surprised how good he is actually, if I'm honest. I knew he was good but I don't watch German football too often," Sturridge told Liverpool's website. "I haven't seen a midfielder like him for a while, he is something different. It's crazy. The things he can do with the ball -- he can defend, he can pass, he can dribble, he is fast, he is strong.
"He has got everything. I'm excited to see what he does in the Premier League and the Champions League. I sit next to him in the changing room and we have a lot of banter -- my French is terrible but I try my best.
"His English is OK. We share some good times and have a lot of laughs together. I like him a lot, he's a good guy."
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp has been impressed with Sturridge's performances in preseason and believes the striker can be "very decisive."
Sturridge was instrumental in Liverpool's 2013-14 title charge, earning himself a spot in the PFA Team of the Year. However, injuries have prevented him enjoying a full campaign in subsequent years and he spent the second half of last term on loan at West Brom.
"We're not in doubt -- and nobody was ever in doubt -- about his quality," Klopp told Liverpool's website. "In this moment he looks really good to be honest. I don't want to make him the most physically strong player in the squad or whatever.
"The most physically strong player in the squad cannot play football like Daniel Sturridge and he has no possibility to be that, to be the marathon man of the team, but he can be a very decisive player.
"It's a good moment and hopefully it will stay like that."
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Source: espn.co.uk
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