Sturridge’s clinical brace in the much-needed victory over Aston Villa on Saturday was a reminder of the menace his team-mates have sorely missed. The forward made just 18 appearances last season during a campaign wrecked by injuries and which ended with him requiring hip surgery that caused him to miss the start of this term.

Sturridge did not feature in any of Liverpool’s three cup semi-finals last season and Rodgers agreed the England international’s presence could have been the difference between lifting silverware and missing out. “He is in that elite band of player,” said Rodgers. “We’ve seen the brand of football we can create when we have that talent available.

GETTY Brendan Rodgers believes Daniel Sturridge can make Liverpool title contenders