Graeme Souness slams Daniel Sturridge by saying Liverpool star’s attitude will mean he will ‘finish his career and be angry’
England striker replaced injured Roberto Firmino in the win over Newcastle but failed to impress one Anfield legend
GRAEME SOUNESS has slammed Daniel Sturridge by saying the Liverpool star's attitude and lack of effort will mean he will "finish his career and be angry".
The Sky Sports pundit also suggested the England striker's warm-up routine is partly to blame for the number of persistent injury problems he has endured in recent years.
The 29-year-old was preferred to Divock Origi to replace the injured Roberto Firmino in the Reds 3-2 win over Newcastle but failed to impress one Anfield legend.
Despite Jurgen Klopp's show of faith, it was the Belgian who came off the bench to head home the winner and Souness believes Sturridge is wasting his natural talent.
He said: "He’s one of those boys who’ll finish his career, look back and think “I didn’t make the most of what God gave me".
"I think he’s wonderfully talented. Great touch. He might be a passenger tonight. When you have someone like him, so much ability, on a daily basis in training, you’d think “why can’t he have a pint of energy on match days?”'
He’ll never fulfil the potential he has, he’ll finish his career and be angry with himself
Graeme Souness on Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge has two goals in 18 league appearances this season, one shy of former Lille star Origi despite featuring seven more times for Liverpool this season.
However, one of those strikes was a goal of the season contender to salvage a 1-1 draw with Chelsea and Souness still feels he should start ahead of the Belgian.
He added: "I’d have him in front of Origi, but I’m not saying he’s someone you can trust. That boy should be one of the first names on the team sheet, for England as well, but his career’s going to pass him by.
"He’ll never fulfil the potential he has. He’s been given a God-given talent that few have, but he doesn’t apply himself properly."
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Sturridge also faced criticism from the ex-Liverpool star for his lack of effort in warming up, with Souness suggesting he wouldn't have as many injury issues if he did.
He said: "I watched a game a few years ago, warming up, going through the motions in a warm-up - no wonder you get injured when you come on as a sub.
"I might be wrong, he might be a demon in training, but he’s a man who’s got so much ability, he’ll finish his career and be angry with himself."
