Sterling the only Liverpool man who can challenge Sturridge’s goal-haul
Published:Liverpool fans feeling anxious about their prospects for the new season had their fears somewhat allayed by the Reds’ thumping 4-0 friendly win over Borussia Dortmund, but finding the goals to replace Luis Suarez is still a major concern.
The Uruguayan netted a record-equalling 31 goals in the Premier League last season, as well as setting up 12 more for his teammates, a contribution that will be sorely missed.
His departure has certainly made the Liverpool top league scorer market slightly more interesting, even if Daniel Sturridge is the heavy favourite at 1/3.
The England marksman bagged 21 goals last term in 29 league games, the second highest tally in the division, and will spearhead Liverpool’s talented attack again this year.
However, without his partner in crime Suarez, there is a chance Sturridge could lose his mojo and allow another young English player to top the charts at Anfield.
Raheem Sterling scored nine times last season, the fourth-best total at Liverpool behind Suarez, Sturridge and Steven Gerrard.
The Reds’ skipper is available at 18/1 to top score this season, but his tally last year was boosted by 10 penalties, an anomalous number that will surely not be repeated this time around.
After his excellent season and Suarez’s departure, Sterling is set to become one of the key men in Brendan Rodgers’ attack this term and his 9/1 odds to be top scorer look generous.
The 19-year-old finished the year on a high with three goals in five games before shining as one of England’s few bright sparks at the World Cup.
Rodgers is likely to push Sterling even further forward this year to compensate for Suarez’s departure, and the youngster’s extra responsibility should see an increased goal-haul.
New boys Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic will all chip in with a few goals as well, but they are unlikely to outdo the more established Reds in their debut campaign.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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