Just seen Sturridge's interview on Sky Sports, wow, went straight in with the "I am the best striker at Liverpool FC" statement, and quite bluntly said he just has to "take it on the chin" when Klopp doesn't select him.
Don't disagree with his statement, but I don't see any need to come out and give Sky what they want to hear in a bold statement like that. At the end of the day, until he scores and takes his chances as much as Oirigi does when given his opportunities, then he hasn't any excuse to be annoyed.
I wish Origi had that attitude. That he had 100% faith in his own ridiculous ability that has everything you need to be a top class centre forward and went out onto the pitch like he was the best not only at the club but of the 22 players on display. If he did he'd of taken WAY better advantage of some glorious one-on-one situations Utd left him in Sunday, particularly against Jones and Darmian, and he wouldn't of stunk the place out up front yesterday against the calibre of opposition he
should be playing with and then destroying. I personally think that's all he's lacking. That arrogance and single-mindedness that all top strikers need in the most isolated position on the pitch bar the goalkeeper. He has all the tools. Strong enough to hold it up. Great in the air. Rapid speed. Two footed. A great finish et all. And when he believes in himself, like he did the end of last season. he's unplayable. But this year, he's gone back the other way to the scared shell of a player he was before Klopp arrived and it's getting worse by the game. Nobody's overly concerned (or at least shouldn't be) as he's only 21 and young players have ups and downs. But if Danny Ings wasn't injured, it wouldn't be a surprise at all right now to see Divock back the 23's until he regained the confidence that for some reason, even when he scored 5 in 5 the other month despite some terrible displays, has completely deserted him. The abysmal penalty miss just summoned up his form of late.
Sturridge wasn't much better in terms of a goal output last night. But at least he was constantly moving and getting in some great positions. (Should of had a penalty for himself.). He just wasn't being found by his younger teammates behind him. Divock has a LONG way to go to be what his natural talents should have him. At Sturridge's level and dominating this team and position.
Aside from another new ground ticked off (getting home after 4 AM is SUCH joy), and another good experience in the young lads continued development against seasoned pros, that was a God awful game of football. A young L'pool side scrapping for the win against Plymouth's hardened vets. who themselves mustered one good effort against the post and nothing more. Over 180 minutes football they never troubled the young guns to any significant degree. Not that Plymouth are a bad side. They are what they are at the level they're at. Just L'pool have twice been dragged down to that level themselves and have had to grind out this progression over two tedious, pretty darn ***** games of football.
Thought Lucas again showed why he's invaluable at times to this football club. He marshalled a young back line and those ahead of him superbly. True adopted Scouser in EVERY sense of the word. Don't think there was any happier Liverpudlian the whistle last night than that lad. Trent's Trent and the absolute de facto back-up to Clyne now and going into future seasons so another useful, if non-descript game to add to his growing number. Another game under Joe's belt after his long layoff. Thought Kev Stewart was abysmal and showed his limitations. I don't mind him personally as back end depth but I'd imagine he'll be moving on this summer for a very tidy profit. That's two windows in a row there's been a lot of PL/ Championship interest for 8 figures which seems crazy to me but that's football right now. Ejaria was tidy at times. Raw at others. What you'd expect from a young guy up against hardened league two pros. Ben Woodburn showed just why he's the jewell in Kirkby's bulging crown with another very mature outing. He and his Welsh wing wizard compatriot Harry Wilson at least tried to rise above the mediocrity and add some Cup magic to proceedings. Same with Ojo when he came on who made the most of his short spell to remind everyone just how good he was the end of last year. And Phil was just taking a night off getting minutes back in his legs without putting his body at any risk. Which you can appreciate and live with given the hectic schedule right now. Think I'd give Alby Moreno the MoTM as he was always showing and did look a cut above the opposition as he should. But it's slim pickings.
All in all a 'job done' night which is great credit to the young lads on their growing professional learning curve. Battling performance untroubled over two games to beat one of the far better league two sides now ticked off for them to reference back to.
I would imagine the side will be that bit stronger a week Sat'day against Wolves the next round being Wanderers are that bit stronger opponents. For instance I wouldn't be at all disappointed if Ben Woodburn is now put back into his 23's box to continue developing away from the media glare and we never see him again the first team this year. Or Kev Stewart or Ejaria dropped down the bench. It'll be a side set out to win regardless and we should have more than enough to be in round 5 by a quarter past two a week Sat'day avvi. Please God not another replay with that one! It might be just down the road but give us a frigging Wednesday night off L'pool please!
God rest Daniel May. YNWA.
Up Jürgens Junior Reds!
James Pearce 
