Ex-Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes Daniel Sturridge will have to come to the party for Jurgen Klopp’s men to deal with Villarreal’s challenge tonight.
Klopp received some flak for not using Sturridge in their 1-0 defeat at the Madrigal in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie last week, but the England international played the full 90 minutes against Swansea on Sunday.
The 26-year-old forward is expected to play a bigger part against Villarreal tonight in the second leg at Anfield and Aldridge has urged the Liverpool manager to unleash the talismanic striker from the start.
The former Red has pointed out that Liverpool need goals and there is no one better than Sturridge in the current squad who can deliver the goods inside the penalty box on a consistent basis.
When asked whether Sturridge will be an important player for the club tonight, the former Red told LFC TV: “Absolutely.
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“Goals win you games, and if you need goals he is the one who can get us through, it is as easy as that.
“You are going to set up in a certain way; last week there was no one on the backline, it was far too easy [for Villarreal], though we created a few chances, where we could have scored.
“Put him up top, he is a completely different kettle of fish.”
Sturridge has scored 52 goals in 89 appearances for Liverpool since joining the club in January 2013, but has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.
