Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has suggested that the Reds are a better side when Daniel Sturridge is playing.

The England striker scored twice in the 3-2 victory against Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday, having recently returned following a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing hip surgery.

Rodgers has admitted that he is pleased to see the 26-year-old back in action.

"He is in that elite band of player that we've seen here. We've seen here the brand of football that we can create when we have that talent available," the Liverpool boss told The Guardian.

"He played a massive part in that so, if he stays fit, and others come into the reckoning, we can piece together an exciting team again. Those players make the difference."

Sturridge has scored 37 goals in 57 Premier League games for Liverpool.