Sturridge: Borini will show why
Daniel Sturridge believes an injury-free 2013-14 for Fabio Borini will enable the Italian to show everyone exactly why Brendan Rodgers was so eager to make him his first signing as Liverpool manager.
The 22-year-old arrived from Roma last summer, but two lengthy injuries have restricted him to 18 appearances for the Reds so far.
However, Borini marked his return to fitness with his first Barclays Premier League goal in the 6-0 win at Newcastle United last month - and Sturridge is confident his hard work will pay dividends.
He told the official Liverpool FC matchday programme recently: "I get on very well with Fabio. We played together at Chelsea, mainly in the reserves, and then we were in and around the fringes of the first team about the time he left when Drogba and Anelka were at their peak.
"It was great to see him get his first Premier League goal and I congratulated him on that. He's a very nice guy who works very hard.
"I understand the difficulties of injury because I've had a few myself since I've been here and I can only imagine what it feels like for him having lengthy setbacks.
"Hopefully he'll have an injury-free run next season and he'll be able to show the fans and everyone else what he can do."
One man who is enjoying a fine debut season at Liverpool is Philippe Coutinho, who moved to Anfield during the January transfer window along with Sturridge.
The striker has been impressed by the manner in which our new No.10 has adapted to life in the Barclays Premier League.
"It's very difficult for players to adapt when you come from a different league," said Sturridge. "I've played with a few Brazilian players. When I was at Man City I was with Robinho and Elano and at Chelsea I was with Oscar, David Luiz and Ramires and now I'm here with Philippe and Lucas.
"I joined at pretty much the same time as him so we're both new to the philosophy of Liverpool and looking forward to the future.
"Philippe has shown that he has adapted very quickly to English football. He's provided some very nice assists and got a couple of goals as well so he's been a great addition to the squad."