Daniel Sturridge, 23# Forward
The second signing of Carlo Ancelotti’s reign as Chelsea manager, Daniel Sturridge joined the Blues as another teenage understudy to Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka. A strong, powerful forward with bundles of pace and energy, Sturridge rejected an improved contract at the City of Manchester Stadium following the end of the 2008/09 season, alerting Chelsea’s Italian coach.

Sturridge joined just a day after Chelsea had confirmed their first transfer of the summer; another young English player in the form of goalkeeper Ross Turnbull. With UEFA pushing for more homegrown players to be imported into squads, Sturridge complimented the club’s English core with energy and enthusiasm and impressed in his début season

Though Sturridge was be hard-pressed to gain a space in Ancelotti’s starting eleven with strikers such as the aforementioned Drogba and Anelka at the club, the young English forward was part of a similar set-up to Manchester City in 2008/09 – with strikers such as Robinho, Caicedo and Bellamy being preferred – but still managed to net four goals in 27 appearances last term, mainly from the bench. Sturridge scored a penalty against Arsenal in 2008, which resigned the Gunners to a 3-0 defeat at Eastlands, and was the catalyst in a stunning fight-back at Ewood Park, where he scored and created two goals in the space of five minutes as City came from 2-0 down to secure a point.

In his first season with the Blues, Sturridge netted a respectable five goals in eighteen matches. Largely used as a substitute, Sturridge’s 12 Premier League appearances qualified him for a league winner’s medal, and his four goals in three FA Cup appearances helped the club to a third FA Cup success in four years. His one and only Premier League goal for the club – the sixth in a 7-0 rout of Stoke City – highlights the qualities Sturridge brings to Chelsea – strength, speed and desire; three attributes that make him a hugely valuable star for the future.

Written By Alex Hinsley    Discussion Topic