A goal ratio of better than one every two games would satisfy most strikers – but not Daniel Sturridge.

As he prepares for the start of a new season, filled with the sense of hope that comes every August, Liverpool’s No.15 believes he can improve an already sensational record.

Sturridge has struck the net 53 times in 92 matches since joining the club from Chelsea three-and-a-half years ago in search of a chance to consistently star in attack.

Formidable statistics for as natural a finisher you will ever see, one who seemingly always finds the angle needed to beat the goalkeeper – whether with left, right foot or head.

And the 26-year-old’s confidence that he can improve on those numbers has only been burgeoned by the quality of the summer signings who will be expected to supply him.

So when asked by Liverpoolfc.com whether the ratio can be maintained, Sturridge’s answer is quick and clear.

“I think it will be better,” he says.

“It’s important that I continue to focus myself, and with my teammates and the new players we’ve signed at the club it’s possible to improve it.

“As long as you have service as a striker, you’ll be able to score goals because you have chances. As long as I get chances in games I’m sure I’ll score.”

Few would argue with the logic and Sturridge will have the benefit of beginning the campaign backed by ‘the most intense’ pre-season of his career so far.

Competition for forward positions has been increased with the recruitment of Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum, who each bring a goal threat and Premier League experience to the squad.

The manager has explained that a responsibility for every new signing is to push those around them and therefore improve the overall quality of the team Jürgen Klopp can select.

Sturridge certainly gets it.

The England international continues: “That’s what the off-season is about – the club trying to improve and trying to take the team to the next level, trying to allow us to be successful and put us in the right place to allow us to challenge for titles and challenge for cups season in, season out.

“The manager has signed players who he believes will help us do that and now it’s about us gelling as a team and the chemistry being right, which I’m sure it will be.

“Going from there, it’s about going on the pitch and implementing the tactics the boss wants us to do. As long as we do that and marry everything together, it should be a successful one for us.

“It’s about being successful, it’s about being a winner, it’s about setting yourself targets and beating your targets.

“I think it’s possible to have a great season and score goals.

“But not just for myself, everyone has got to step up and do their job as well – players getting assists and the defence keeping clean sheets. As the manager always emphasises, it’s a team game.

“It’s important that everybody does their job and if everyone does their job then we’ll be successful.”

Mane came to Anfield from Southampton off the back of two productive seasons in the Premier League, while Wijnaldum struck 11 goals for Newcastle United during his debut campaign in English football.

Upon the completion of their respective transfers, Klopp highlighted the versatility that both will bring to their new club.

But in what specific ways will they complement what the Reds already have?

“They come here and bring things we may not have had,” Sturridge explains.

“Mane has got a lot of speed on the wings; we did have that before but he’s a different kind of player. He has got goals in him as well.

“And the same with Wijnaldum – he is someone who can provide chances for players and score goals.

“Not just those two, there are other players we have signed and I’m sure it will be a big season for them. These two players have obviously played in the Premier League and got the experience, so there’s no need for a bedding-in period with them, it’s more a case of going out there and performing.

“For some of the other players it might take time and the expectation level at Liverpool is so big that everyone has to perform when they arrive.

“For me, I’m looking forward to the season and I think the signings we have had will help us push onto the next level.”