Liverpool

Daniel Sturridge helped by Didier Drogba, Steven Gerrard advice

By Michael Penkman, Reporter | 28 October 2013

Daniel Sturridge says that Didier Drogba and Steven Gerrard have lectured him on the merits of mental strength, helping him to the top of the Premier League scoring charts.

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has said that advice from Didier Drogba and Steven Gerrard has helped him to become the hottest striker in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old tops the scoring charts with eight goals in nine games, adding to the 10 he scored last season following his £12m arrival from Chelsea in January.

The England international puts his form down to self belief, and revealed that he has taken on board words of wisdom from former teammate Drogba and current Reds captain Gerrard.

"I saw Didier in Miami this summer," he told The Times. "He said the strongest thing an individual can have is the mental strength.

"He told me, 'It's not about the tactical, it's not about the technical, it's not about the physical. If you believe in yourself, that will set you apart'.

"Stevie has helped me a lot in terms of mindset. He's all about self belief; don't go out there with the mentality of trying to do something. Just let it happen."

Sturridge scored a chip in Saturday's 4-1 win over West Bromwich Albion.