Rush: Why Sturridge can achieve anything
Daniel Sturridge will contribute more than just goals when he returns from injury - and the striker has enough talent to become an Anfield great, according to Liverpool's finest ever goalscorer, Ian Rush.
Sturridge has not featured for the Reds since he shone during the demolition of Tottenham Hotspur on August 31, dovetailing effortlessly with an array of attacking talent as the Reds ran out 3-0 winners at White Hart Lane.
The forward failed to score for Brendan Rodgers' side on the day; however, his energy and unpredictability helped unlock Spurs through the middle of the park and as the England international attacked from the flanks.
Rush believes such a display was another reminder of the No.15's all-round ability, movement and intelligence - and the man who hit a record 346 goals for Liverpool insists he's relishing the prospect of Sturridge's return.
"It's not just the goals Daniel gives you but all the other parts of his game," Rush told the Liverpool Echo. "His movement and his close control is different class. He can come short and link with teammates and he has that burst of pace to get in behind defenders too.
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"When it comes to shooting, he can generate great power with very little back-lift. We have missed him. We can't rely on him all the time because there will be times when he's not available, but there's no doubt Liverpool are a better side with Daniel.
"After an indifferent start, this is a crucial stage of the season. We need to start climbing the table, starting with Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, and we've got those big European games [against Real Madrid] coming up."
Rush believes Sturridge, who has managed 36 goals in 52 appearances for the Reds since arriving on Merseyside in January 2013, will continue to grow in stature as he thrives on the backing from the Liverpool faithful.
"Daniel's got all the talent and all the skills needed," Rush added. "To be a legend you need to be at a club for a long time - at least five years - and the fact he signed a new deal shows how happy he is at Liverpool.
"All the ingredients are there for him to become a legend, it's just a case of keeping on producing it on the pitch. He was fantastic last season and I think the supporters have helped him a lot.
"This is a special club and he knows that. He feels a close bond with the fans. He is settled and if he stays injury free, he can achieve anything he wants at Liverpool."
August's win at Spurs allowed Kopites to glimpse a link-up between Sturridge and summer signing Mario Balotelli, as the Italian made his Reds debut before being substituted in the 62nd minute.
Rush, who forged multiple, lethal partnerships during his 660 games for the club, was impressed by how the duo corresponded at the Lane - and he believes their partnership will flourish when Sturridge returns to fitness.
"I think Balotelli will be happy about Daniel's return," said Rush. "He has mostly played up front on his own since Daniel has been out but I think he will improve with someone else up front alongside him.
"The only time they have played together was Tottenham away when Balotelli and Daniel were fantastic together.
"Balotelli hasn't scored as many as he would have liked so far but there have been games where he hasn't had many chances. With Daniel back out there I'm sure he will get more chances."
