• Premier League

Rodgers: Suarez can turn Sturridge into Reds great

ESPN staff
March 30, 2013
Daniel Sturridge has made an impressive start to his Liverpool career © PA Photos
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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has backed Daniel Sturridge to flourish at Liverpool under the tutelage of Luis Suarez, insisting the Uruguayan is a driving force at Anfield.

Ahead of Liverpool's trip to Villa Park on Sunday, Rodgers urged Sturridge to learn from the high-pressing game that has allowed Suarez to rattle defences this season.

Suarez and Sturridge have already provided a formidable partnership for the Reds, with the latter netting five goals in his first nine games. But Rodgers claims the pair have much more to offer if Sturridge can adapt to Liverpool's style.

"Daniel's only just come into the club, and it's a new way of working for him," Rodgers said. "But it's so important, because when you don't have the pressure up top, the gaps open up.

"He [Sturridge] is only 23 and knows he needs to improve, but he's a real receptive boy - and he can't have anyone better to learn from than Luis."

Suarez leads Robin van Persie as the Premier League's top scorer with 22 goals this season and Rodgers believes the 25-year-old's workrate will ensure he emulates the likes of club legends Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish.

"For me, the striker drives the train," Rodgers added. "When you look at history of this club, men like Ian Rush, Kenny Dalglish and Robbie Fowler. They have had number nines who have worked their socks off.

"Luis has played up there and is a great leader, the way he presses up there. This is why you love him as a manager. He has an absolutely amazing appetite for the game.

"He looks a bit tired with all the flying [for Uruguay's World Cup qualifiers] but he's out there working, running, chasing and doesn't get enough credit for it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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