John Barnes has echoed the sentiments of Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers that Daniel Sturridge's move to Anfield has provided the England international with his last chance to succeed at a big Premier League club.
The 23-year-old put the finishing touches to his reported £12m switch to the Reds yesterday afternoon following a largely unsuccessful stint with European champions Chelsea.
Having also begun his professional career with Manchester City, former Liverpool winger and now ESPN analyst Barnes has told Sports Mole that Sturridge must fulfil his potential on Merseyside, or he runs the risk of ending up at smaller club.
"You look at Joe Cole now - he's gone back to West Ham. I'm not being disrespectful to West Ham, but they are not as big a club as Liverpool," said Barnes. "Unless you're going to leave Liverpool and go to Barcelona, Real Madrid or Manchester United - which is unlikely, the only place to go from Liverpool is down.
"This probably is his [last chance]. Not in terms of finances because clubs will always pay you money to come. But in terms of wanting to do well at a big club, this is his last opportunity. If he has the right attitude, he can do well."
If the centre-forward manages to make good of his opportunity, Barnes added his belief that Liverpool will have acquired an "asset".
"He is a striker and Liverpool needed a striker. Fortunately, he's English, young and hungry because he has point to prove so hopefully he will come with the right mentality," he said.
"That is all he needs because he's got all the tools - he's quick, strong and has great ability. If he comes with the right attitude, he could be an asset."
Sturridge could make his Liverpool debut during Sunday's FA Cup tie against Mansfield.
ESPN will air live and exclusive coverage of three FA Cup Third Round games this weekend. Swansea City vs. Arsenal at 1pm and Mansfield Town vs. Liverpool at 3.45pm on Sunday, then Cheltenham vs. Everton at 7pm on Monday. Visit ESPN.co.uk/tv for details.
Liam Apicella
