'I see Sturridge as the modern striker'
Jamie Carragher considers Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge an embodiment of the 'modern player', highlighting the Englishman's finishing ability in particular as he prepares for the World Cup stage.
The legendary former Reds defender shared a dressing room with the prolific No.15 for five months, between the latter's arrival in January 2013 and his own retirement from the game in May last year.
Since, the 36-year-old has followed Sturridge's progress from his new role as a television pundit; and with 24 goals in all competitions, there has been plenty for Carragher to analyse in 2013-14.
"He's a great finisher - people don't talk about that enough," the Bootle native explained in an episode of LFCTV's 'World Stars' series.
"His finishing ability is second to none. He's got pace, he's got strength - he's the modern striker. He can play wide, he can play off the front and he can play up top.
"The modern striker can't just be someone who stays up front, looking to score a goal and that's all he does. The modern player has got to move about and bring a lot more to his game.
"I think Daniel Sturridge is the perfect type. I think, this season, Sturridge has been the best attacking player England have got."
Sturridge is one of five Liverpool representatives in the Three Lions' squad for this summer's much-anticipated tournament in Brazil, alongside Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Glen Johnson and Raheem Sterling.
The 24-year-old is in contention to lead the line for Roy Hodgson's team, who kick off their campaign against Italy on June 14 before further ties with Uruguay and latterly Costa Rica.
Earlier this week, he spoke about the importance of enjoying the experience, although that mentality is coupled with an in-built determination to improve exponentially.
"You have to keep improving and you have to push yourself to your limits, because you only get one career," Sturridge himself insisted.
"I feel good, I feel I'm improving, I'm willing to learn, I'm working as hard as I possibly can to learn and I'm listening to every person that gives me advice - I take it on board."