Rodgers: Daniel can be one of best

The Reds came from behind after a Dimitar Berbatov header gave the hosts a first-half lead at Craven Cottage.

Philippe Coutinho was excellent in providing two of the goals - but it was Sturridge who went home with the match ball.

"It was an incredible sequence of finishing from Daniel and he could have had a couple more," said Rodgers.

"He's scored goals from the minute he came in. That's 11 goals in 15 games, which is fantastic and the impact we thought he'd make.

"He can get goals in any game, he's a wonderful talent. He's 23 and I just felt he needed the platform to show what he can do.

"He's demonstrated his pace and his power today.

"I think he'll prove, hopefully if he stays fit and plays games, to be one of the top strikers in the Premier League in the next few years."

Liverpool began the game in a 3-5-2 formation, with Sebastian Coates and Andre Wisdom coming into defence.

Rodgers explained: "We took today to experiment in the first half. We played 3-5-2 and at times it worked okay, other times it didn't. That's the learning for us from today but we planned to flip it at half-time into a structure they were comfortable with.

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"We got three goals and could have got another three or four. Second half we were outstanding. Some of our play was very, very good.

"We keep progressing. This year was always about building the base for us to move forward, and as we've gone on through the season we've got better and better.

"We can score goals - we can go to any ground and win a football match."

Liverpool claimed the three points without Daniel Agger and Steven Gerrard, with the pair currently undergoing treatment for long-term issues.

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"We're taking the opportunity with Steven and Daniel to get them ready for next season because we feel we can have a really good push," added Rodgers.

"We want to make sure they're both fit for pre-season."