Daniel Sturridge started the game against League Two side Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup third round replay but the Englishman failed to score in the 1-0 win over the home side. Sturridge has struggled to find his form for the Reds and there have been talks that he could be on his way out of the club.

While the former Manchester City and Chelsea striker is stated to be the best finisher that Liverpool have, the kind of play the side put out under Jurgen Klopp has resulted in the likes of Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino getting more playing time on the pitch.

There still is some support for the Englishman by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. The legend voiced his backing for Sturridge despite him not getting a lot of playing time for the Reds.

When Gerrard was asked if the lack of playing time would affect Sturridge’s chances of playing for England, the Liverpool star stated to BT Sport (via ESPN):

“That’s the thing that Daniel’s got to assess himself. Only he knows whether he’s happy, whether he’s frustrated or whether he wants to go somewhere else and challenge himself.”

The former LA Galaxy midfielder also stated that Liverpool would not be letting Sturridge leave on the cheap.

“But Liverpool aren’t going to let him go for cheap. Liverpool need him. He scores goals when he plays, his minutes-to-goals ratio is incredible.

“I’m sure if someone came along with a huge, huge offer and Daniel wanted it there could be a solution there, but as it stands right now Liverpool need Daniel Sturridge and I can’t see him going anywhere short term.”

Even though Sturridge could be one of the players to leave next season, Gerrard still expected bright days ahead for the Reds under Jurgen Klopp.

“He’s capable of world-class moments and performances and I think Liverpool are on the verge of something really big under this manager.

“Maybe he is frustrated from week to week but there’s a great chance he could get silverware with Liverpool in the near future.”

Gerrard concluded by saying that Sturridge has to be patient as he believes there is a lot of positivity radiating from Anfield.

“If I were him I’d be patient. I think there’s good things on the horizon.”

The former Liverpool captain is right as Klopp has transformed the side in just 18 months and with another EFL Cup semi-final still awaiting, a two-goal win over Southampton would lead to a third cup final since the German took over the Liverpool job.