Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Jurgen Klopp believes Daniel Sturridge has become a real option for Liverpool's attack after the striker “100%” repaid the faith of his manager by helping ensure a winning start to the Champions League campaign.

Sturridge marked the first start in the competition of his Anfield career by scoring the opener in the 3-2 home win over Paris Saint-Germain in Group C on Tuesday night.

The striker replaced Roberto Firmino, who was fit enough only for the bench having missed training in the build-up to the game due to an eye injury suffered in the weekend Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur.

And Klopp regards Sturridge as now being in the best shape of his tenure

“It was a great performance from Daniel to be honest,” said the Reds boss.

(Image: James Maloney)

“The three midfielders did an outstanding job but they only can do it how we play with the two wingers and the number nine is helping in all these situations to keep the formation compact. It was fantastic.

“I said to Daniel before the game 'you are in the best shape since I've known you, physical wise' and now we have to use it and that's what we did. Super game, super goal. Then we had the opportunity to bring Bobby Firmino on.”

Firmino replaced Sturridge with 18 minutes remaining and went on to score a dramatic injury-time winner.

And explaining the decision to start with the Brazilian on the bench, Klopp said: “There was no chance yesterday, absolutely no chance the day before and today he came in and said 'I'm fine, I can open my eye again and that was good.

(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

“We only had one session this morning in which Bobby tested a little bit and then went inside.

“It was a moment where you have to show faith in the squad. When you have Bobby Firmino available you always think 'come on, play him' but it was nice to see how Daniel performed.

Still on a high after another great European night at Anfield? Join us for the fallout from the game here.

“He paid back 100%, so it's so cool for him and for us. It's such a big, important sign.

“And bringing Bobby on after 70 minutes is really nice, I really liked that.