• Premier League

Sturridge backed to shine in absence of Suarez

ESPN staff
August 9, 2014
Daniel Sturridge scored 21 goals last season © Getty Images
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Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler insists that Daniel Sturridge can prove himself this season as he emerges from under the shadow of Luis Suarez.

Sturridge scored 21 goals in 29 appearances last season but his achievements came up short of the prolific Uruguayan. The pair came close to beating Andy Cole and Peter Beardsley's record of 55 goals in 1993-94, with 52, but now Fowler thinks the England striker can get even better after Suarez joined Barcelona this summer.

"He's got that chance now, to go out there and prove to everyone what we already know: that he's a great player," Fowler told the club's official website.

"We know he's been a shining light since he's been here, but now he's got even more of a chance."

Liverpool's legendary former No.9 also claimed that the club will move on from Suarez, as they have done before when great players have left.

"He's a great player, but no-one's bigger than the club and we all know and accept that," Fowler said. "We all know he's a phenomenal player, but Liverpool as a club, they just go on. Think of all the players that have gone in the past - great players - and they've always adapted and gone on to do well.

"When Ian Rush went, someone came in and done a job - obviously I came in after Rushie, I forgot about that! I come in and done alright, then Michael [Owen] was there - he was always handy as well; you've got Fernando Torres who was brilliant at Liverpool. He leaves and Suarez comes in and does an unbelievable job.

"Now all of a sudden people are saying 'what will we do?' but Liverpool as a club will always go on. Whatever team Brendan [Rodgers] puts out, they'll all be singing from the same hymn-sheet and wanting to do well."

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