The real reason why Sturridge isn't getting a run out at Chelsea

Like many Chelsea fans I’ve wondered why Daniel Sturridge has been given so little time to prove his worth in a Chelsea shirt so far this season. When he joined in the summer from Man City I felt it was a very positive signing: not an exorbitantly priced player in the twilight of his career and a sign that Chelsea were genuinely looking to buy younger, but relatively established, talent.

Sturridge started his Chelsea career excellently with a well-taken goal against the Seattle Sounders – the first of Chelsea’s pre-season campaign – and I was fairly impressed with that first showing. Since then however he’s oscillated between either being on the bench for the first team but not making an appearance and not even making the bench at all. Aside for one or two fleeting appearances in the league and an ill-fated run-out in the Carling Cup (after which his performance was unfairly criticised, I thought), he hasn’t got a look in.

Gael Kakuta meanwhile was given an immediate 30 minute opportunity against Wolves at the weekend immediately after his ban was suspended by CAS, and has also been named in the squad for tomorrow’s game against Porto. Matic also got his first run-out against Wolves and Borini was awarded a further chance to impress the Stamford Bridge faithful.

In light of the opportunities given to others the lack of opportunities for Sturridge – older and more experienced than those players, don’t forget - seems strange. Why hasn’t he been given more time?

He did suffer an injury earlier in the season, which perhaps hampered his chances to some extent. There also haven’t been huge numbers of games where, like against Wolves at the weekend, Chelsea were 3-0 up and out of sight after 20 minutes allowing Ancelotti to make more ‘risky’ substitutions.

Sturridge’s transfer fee hasn’t yet been set – the amount Chelsea need to pay City for his services is due to be decided by tribunal. Perhaps another reason why Chelsea are holding him back could be to prevent the panel lifting his fee beyond acceptable levels? Alternatively, perhaps Ancelotti feels Sturridge just isn’t good enough.

I’m just guessing. But, interestingly, Pat Nevin might have inadvertently given us a clue as to why the young Englishman hasn’t had more of an opportunity to make an impact at Chelsea – and it doesn’t bode well. Nevin’s weekly piece published on the Chelsea website today is worth a read – he talks about Kakuta’s performance at the weekend and the pressures faced by young players making their debuts. In addition however, he also wrote the following:

“His (Kakuta’s) breakthrough also gives hope and belief to any other young players trying to break into what is a world class team. One player who I hope has the right reaction is Daniel Sturridge. Nothing should spur him on more than the knowledge that if you do have the right attitude, the belief and the work ethic, success awaits. In simple terms it is up to him”.

I could well be reading too much into what is just a few words, but I suspect Nevin knows something we don’t. It sounds very much like Sturridge might have an attitude problem – Nevin’s statement is pretty challenging. He doesn’t say “if you have the talent, you’ll get a chance”, rather “if you work hard, you’ll get a chance”. Why single out the need for the right work ethic over pure ability if that isn’t a particular concern? I’m only speculating, but perhaps Sturridge expected more from his first few months at Chelsea and hasn’t reacted well to playing second fiddle to first Drogba and Anelka and then Borini.

Hopefully I am reading too much into it – before he joined Chelsea the consensus was that Sturridge was one of the brightest English prospects around. Here’s hoping he gets it together – the chances given to Kakuta, Matic, Borini, Hutchinson and Bruma this season offer encouraging signs that Ancelotti will reward him when he does.

What do you think of Sturridge - do you think he's deserved more of a chance? Any other reasons why he might not be getting a run out that I’ve missed? Post a comment.

Comments

[Chelsea_Alan]

Personally I think Fabio Borini is a far better prospect than Sturridge. Both his eye for goal and all round play are supperior to Sturridge's and his yearly improvement is marked. 'If' Chelsea end up signing Aguero in January I can see Chelsea selling both Di Santo AND Sturridge next summer.

[Blue4Life]

Sturridge's attitude problem isn't exactly a state secret, it has been alluded to several times not least by Ancellotti himself.

[Russell Saunders]

Chelsea_Alan - interesting. have you seen much of Borini for the reserves?

Blue4life - you're right. It's not something i've massively picked up on though, obviously. Just did a bit of scouting around and found the following article on the NoTW website, for eg: http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/576437/DANIEL-STURRIDGE-is-pleading-with-Carlo-Ancelotti-to-unleash-him-in-the-Chelsea-attack.html

[joseph porto]

I can't beliee, you did not notice that any new chelsea player that poses a threat to Kalou is critizised by some kalou media. see Sheve, Pizarro, now Sturridge. Analize the unusual unjustified and misserable attacks agains those players and find only one against Kalou? You will find articles talking good about kalou even when this player was not in the pitch. It's incredible how Kalou's agent destroy other players creers in benefit of his represented.
Chelsea has to ban this individual and Sheva, Pizarro and now sturridge has to demand an investigation af this football mafia.

[Is_it]

Joseph Porto this is not politics, It isn't like Kalou is playing every week... In my opinion Sturridge has been injured and Ancelotti does not want to rush his return. He will get his chance and i am sure he will take it ( he played for about 10 mns this season and shot three times in this game ).

[Russell Saunders]

Joseph porto - I'm not sure I quite buy your argument.

But, you might be interested to read my thoughts on Kalou, which aren't altogether positive:

http://www.bridgeviews.co.uk/bridge_views/2009/10/new-deal-for-chelseas-kalou-but-is-he-worth-it.html

[Marcus Blue]

He should slowly be given a chance both with his playing ability and attitude. Allow me to suggest a mirror to a previous Chelsea youngster who came through the ranks with much potential but his ability and attitude apparently failed to make the grade and so he was sold....a certain Carlton Cole, now the darling of the Hammers, being touted as an England player apparently worth in excess of £20million...hello

[Kuntat]

Sturridge should be given more chances, come on sturridge, wake up dude!

[Dom]

Supporting what a few have said already, Sturridge was a very big talent in Youth football but that doesn't automatically translate into making it at a top club like Chelsea with world stars. The club hierarchy want him to get his head down and train hard and wait for his chances something he or more likely his agent are too impatient to wait for.

There is no doubt Sturridge has the potential but that means nothing without the necessary dedication. I have feeling he'll move on or go out on loan but will become a 20 million pound player in 3/4 yrs much like Diarra, Johnson and Cole have become.

[Carl Vincent]

Why would Citeh give up on a 'potential' domestic Star Player ?
They are not exactly burstiing at the seams with offensive talent.
SWP walks into that team every week and plays like a kid in a playground that's too small for that final touch !
Sturridge was an apparent malcontent at Citeh. That's why they unloaded him - we will unload him soon too !......No doubt.

[Nicky]

If you want to say hello you should put it at the start of the sentence, are you American?........

"He should slowly be given a chance both with his playing ability and attitude. Allow me to suggest a mirror to a previous Chelsea youngster who came through the ranks with much potential but his ability and attitude apparently failed to make the grade and so he was sold....a certain Carlton Cole, now the darling of the Hammers, being touted as an England player apparently worth in excess of £20million...hello"

[Seb Finkle]

the reason why sturridge isnt playing at chelsea is because he is too cocky, he walks around as if hes a major star and hes not, he has a lot of ability but he has a lot of improvement to do. Ancelotti dosent like him because when hes n the pitch he dosent choose the right pass he generally just shoots he is very greedy. no doubt he will score goals but he isnt chelsea standard.