Daniel Sturridge frustrated at wide role under Jurgen Klopp

Photo Credit: Reuters

Daniel Sturridge has said he is struggling to play as a right-sided forward for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Sturridge, 26, faces competition for the central striking berth this season, with Roberto Firmino preferred in that position during the early stage of 2016-17.

The England international has made two appearances so far this campaign, scoring twice in the EFL Cup against Burton Albion on Tuesday, but he has admitted to his frustration when playing wide.

“Well, I have to do a job for the team,” Sturridge told British newspapers. “That’s not saying I am happy to do it. That’s saying I have got to do a job for the team.

“It’s a team game — if I am put in that position, I have to play there.

“When you are playing in a position that you are not used to, it is different. The way you move, the way you play — it is all different.

“You can’t play the same as you do as a centre-forward if you play wide.

“Of course it is more difficult for me to play wide. I’m a centre-forward. In the modern-day game, you have to try and be flexible but everyone knows my best position.

“I’m a player who plays on instinct and in the middle I have clarity on movements and things that I have been doing for years. I am on autopilot there.

“You just do things because you are used to doing it. But when you are out wide, you have got to worry about different things. It’s just a different way.

“Everyone knows where I enjoy playing the most. I just have to do a job for the team.”

Sturridge signed for Liverpool from Chelsea in 2013 and has since scored 43 goals in 70 Premier League appearances.