Hamann: Not many can play like him
Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes that Daniel Sturridge's ability to trouble opponents with not just pace, but trickery, provides the England international with a complete arsenal.
The German first encountered the Reds' No.15 when he left Anfield to join Manchester City seven years ago and 'thought Daniel had a real chance' when he noticed the striker's potential.
As Sturridge left Manchester City for Chelsea, thrived on loan at Bolton and, most recently, became a Liverpool star, Hamann has been following the 24-year-old's progress closely and keenly.
"What I like about Daniel is that he can do everything," he told the official Liverpool FC magazine.
"His all-round game is superb. Pace is one of the major and most noticeable assets. Before he joined in January I felt the team was lacking in that department.
"His speed allows Liverpool to stretch opponents. Defenders don't want him running in behind them so they drop off deep. That creates more room for Sturridge and his teammates.
"Then there is his ability to beat opponents with trickery. Not too many centre-forwards can go past men or evade challenges the way he does. Technically he is very good too."
Sturridge has notched eight goals in nine appearances during 2013-14, strengthening a record which shows that the Englishman has fired a remarkable 19 times in 25 games since joining the club.
[OTPA_WIDGET_CONTENT]
Hamann added: "Strikers are judged first and foremost on the number of goals they contribute. Daniel has excelled in that department.
"The variety of his goals has also been impressive. Against Stoke he drilled in a long-range shot. The winner in the Manchester United game was a close-range poacher's effort.
"And his equaliser at Swansea was all about a striker's ability to anticipate a chance and move accordingly.
"When strikers are in such form it's great to play alongside them. You just want to give them the ball as early as possible.
"If you can feed them possession quickly that means they are able to turn quicker and go towards goal. Defenders hate facing that.
"Another plus to having a striker in good form is the belief it gives the rest of the team.
"When Michael Owen was at his best we knew that if we were one, or even two goals down, we still had a chance because he usually only needed a single opportunity to score.
"That knowledge gives you extra motivation to keep going. With Daniel playing the way he is, Brendan Rodgers' team are probably feeling the same way.
"To see him doing so well is very pleasing. His desire to make it has always been there and it's helped him get this far."
Hamann was speaking in the latest edition of the official Liverpool FC magazine. Click here for more information on becoming a subscriber.