Steven Gerrard has claimed that Daniel Sturridge is the best English striker that he has played alongside at Liverpool.
The Reds captain has been in the same team as the likes of Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen during his 16-year Anfield career, but he rates Sturridge more highly.
Gerrard admits that they are badly missing the injured 25-year-old, but feels that he can step out of the shadow of Luis Suarez upon his return and become one of Liverpool's all-time striking greats.
"For me, when you talk about potential in this country, Daniel Sturridge is the player with the most,' he told the Daily Mail.
"Ability-wise he is possibly the number one [English] striker I've played with, when you talk about speed, sharpness and skill and different types of goals. Some of the things he does in training blow me away. He could go as far as he wants to go.
"Last year he was in Luis's shadow and now he is not there it's for Daniel to be Liverpool's iconic number nine for many years. We need him at the moment. We need him back from injury as soon as possible."
Sturridge scored 21 Premier League goals in 29 appearances for the Merseysiders last season.
Joe Fish
