Mark Lawrenson: Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge is not good enough to be part of Reds' best XI

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is not good enough to be part of the Reds' best XI, according to Anfield legend Mark Lawrenson. The 27-year-old has settled for a place on the bench in the Premier League fixtures as Jurgen Klopp has preferred to lead his side's attack with Roberto Firmino.

The England international was given a place in the starting lineup during the Merseyside club's EFL Cup fourth round clash against Tottenham Hotspur. He scored twice as the former Borussia Dortmund manager saw his men seal a 2-1 win over Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Sturridge is yet to open his account in the Premier League as Klopp has started with Firmino, his compatriot Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana as the front three to lead Liverpool's attack. Lawrenson claims it will be difficult for the ex-Chelsea man to beat any of these three players to get a spot in the starting XI.

"He is a class act but is not in Liverpool's best 11. They have Coutinho, Firmino, Lallana, it is just not possible. I think it is a bonus to have him off the bench," Lawrenson told BBC.

Meanwhile, another Liverpool legend, Graeme Souness, believes Sturridge's inability to play a high pressing game has forced Klopp to start him from the bench. He even explained the German manager's style of play will not suit the English striker.

"But you can see why he's not in the starting XI here. Klopp wants to play high-pressing, high-tempo. You have to be very fit and you have to be willing to run around," Souness told Sky Sports.

"When you look at Sturridge, the first thing you see is his ridiculous technique. He's as good as anybody. The second thing you see is that you would never describe Sturridge as busting a gut."

"He's got wonderful qualities, but unless he can find that energy at this stage of his career, he's not going to be a starter here."