Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 6y

Daniel Sturridge wanting to play key role for Liverpool in Champions League

Daniel Sturridge has told the Liverpool Echo that he hopes he can be a "big part" of Liverpool's Champions League campaign.

Sturridge could make his first start in Europe's premier club competition as a Liverpool player on Wednesday against Maribor at Anfield.

The striker did not feature at all when Liverpool last competed in the Champions League back in 2014-15 due to injury, but has played in the competition during his time at Chelsea.

"We've been in the Champions League two times since I've been at the club," Sturridge said. "Obviously I missed out the first time but hopefully I can be a big part of this European campaign.

"I played in the competition many times for Chelsea and we won it when I was there. It's nothing new to me. You want to be playing at this level. I am ready for when the opportunity comes. The manager picks the team. We'll have to wait and see what he decides.

"From my perspective, I'm feeling good. I want to stay healthy and I want to keep scoring goals for the team. It's my job to go out there, put my best foot forward and show what I can do."

With injuries to Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane, Sturridge started in Liverpool's 3-0 win over Huddersfield on Saturday, netting the opener in the second half, which was the 100th goal of his club career.

"I'm not someone who looks at individual stuff like that," Sturridge said. "I wasn't thinking: 'Can I get my 100th goal?' It was more a case of: 'I'm playing so I need to perform as well as I possibly can.'

"As the game went on, I was out there thinking: 'This team are really difficult to break down.' There wasn't much space, they were defending so deep.

"Everyone could feel the pressure mounting. As a striker it's important to get yourself in the right positions and to take the opportunities when they come along. After getting the breakthrough it was a case of: 'OK, let's try to pile on the pressure.'

"Saturday was a big game for us after the heavy defeat to Tottenham. We all wanted to bounce back. We kept our concentration and in the end we imposed our style on them."

Sturridge added: "For all strikers, it's important to be playing to get your rhythm to be able to produce your best football. You want to help the team win. All strikers have that mentality where they want to show what they can do. I enjoy scoring goals. It's what I love to do."

Sturridge has made 11 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions so far this season, scoring twice.

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