Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has shared his honest thoughts on the Reds’ current struggles, claiming the team is lacking the energy and spark once provided by Luis Díaz.
Speaking after Liverpool’s dramatic 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge — sealed by a stoppage-time goal from Estevão — Sturridge suggested that the club’s decision to sell Díaz to Bayern Munich is beginning to haunt them.
Liverpool, who had started the Premier League season with five straight wins, have now suffered three consecutive losses, slipping behind Arsenal in the title race.
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💰 Summer of Change at Anfield
The summer transfer window saw Liverpool spend a staggering £450 million, shattering the British transfer record twice to bring in stars like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
However, that spending spree was offset by several major departures — including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Núñez, Jarell Quansah, and notably, Luis Díaz, who joined Bayern in a deal worth £65.5 million.
Since moving to Germany, Díaz has hit the ground running, scoring six goals and providing four assists in just ten appearances for his new club.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s restructured attack has struggled to find cohesion, something Sturridge believes Díaz’s absence has contributed to.
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🗣️ Sturridge: “Luis Díaz Set the Standard”
“Luis Díaz is a massive miss for me,” Sturridge told Sky Sports. “When you think about Liverpool’s pressing game last season, he was the one who always triggered it from the front. His hunger to win the ball back made a big difference.”
The former England international explained that while players like Isak, Wirtz, and Ekitike work hard, none have replicated Díaz’s relentless defensive effort or selfless running.
> “In every front three, there’s usually one player willing to sacrifice his stats for the team — the workhorse,” Sturridge added. “Right now, I’m not sure who that is for Liverpool.”
He also highlighted that while Cody Gakpo has become more prolific this season and Mohamed Salah’s goal numbers have dipped, the team’s attacking balance remains uncertain.
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⚔️ Sturridge Questions Slot’s Team Selection
Sturridge didn’t stop there. He also questioned Arne Slot’s tactical choices, particularly the decision to leave Florian Wirtz out of the starting XI against Chelsea.
“That was the kind of match made for Wirtz,” he said. “You need a creative spark — someone who can take the ball, make something happen, and unlock defences. Szoboszlai gives you intensity and running, but Wirtz offers that magic touch.”
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Liverpool will now look to bounce back in their next fixture, as the pressure continues to build on Slot’s new-look squad — one that, according to Sturridge, still hasn’t found its rhythm since saying goodbye to Luis Díaz.
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