Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has brushed aside the suggestion Daniel Sturridge's quality was questioned after the England striker struck twice at Anfield to secure a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup.
Klopp made a whopping eleven changes to his side from the weekend and Liverpool did not let him down as they dominated possession from the off on home turf.
It was Sturridge who opened the scoring as he turned well from six yards out and fired into the back of the net in the ninth minute.
Sturridge's second goal arrived in the 64th minute when he combined well with strike partner Divock Origi and slotted the ball under Spurs goalkeeper Michel Vorm.
Tottenham fought to get back into the game and when substitute Erik Lamela was fouled in the penalty area, Vincent Janssen stepped up to reduce the deficit with 14 minutes left.
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Spurs though could not score a second and Liverpool closed out the game, securing their spot in the next round of the EFL Cup.
It was put to Klopp that Sturridge's good performance was an answer to those doubting his quality and the Liverpool boss was stunned anyone could doubt the striker's talent.
He said on BBC Radio 5 live: "I think nobody discussed the quality of Daniel Sturridge, huh?
"He showed it again, a very good performance and important for us with the two goals.
"He worked really well together with Divock Origi, it was good to watch.
"Divock didn't score, but had a very good game too.
"So we could have used these two strikers more often than we did, but perhaps we were a little bit surprised we had as many offensive options as we did", Klopp added.
