Chelsea skipper John Terry believes banned http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-Sturridge-c10076 could have started against Stoke City
Chelsea skipper http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/John-Terry-c18895 revealed he was certain 21-year-old striker Daniel Sturridge would have been given a start by manager Andre Villas-Boas in the opening fixture of the new English Premier League against Stoke City if he was not banned.
The England defender had good reason to shower Sturridge with praise, especially after his terrific performance for the Blues in pre-season. The England under-21 international returned to Stamford Bridge after a highly successful loan spell with Bolton Wanderers.
Sturridge insisted on returning to Chelsea, despite knowing that he would have to compete with the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Romelu-Lukaku-c31672 for a place in the starting XI.
So far Sturridge has done incredible well to prove himself to the new Chelsea manager, Villas-Boas. The young Portuguese manager replaces Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked at the end of last season for failing to deliver any silverware.
Sturridge proved at the Reebok Stadium in the latter half of last season that he has a talent for finding the back of the net, scoring 8 goals in 12 appearances. He further proved himself in the pre-season tour of Asia, where he was undoubtedly the best
striker for the Blues.
The Chelsea and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 captain revealed he was extremely pleased with the young forward and his top form. Terry admitted that Sturridge was most likely to get more starts this season as compared to last season.
Unfortunately for the English forward, he will be unable to feature for his side against Stoke City in the opening Premier League fixture because of the three match ban on him. However, Terry was hopeful Sturridge would make an impact for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 in their
future matches.
Terry said in an interview:
“But the way we came back into it was good, Studge [Sturridge] especially. He has been brilliant all pre-season.
He went away last season on loan and gained from the experience of playing week in week out. He has grown into how good he believes he can be and everyone is seeing that now.
It is just unfortunate he has his three-game ban, otherwise I am sure he would have been the first name down on the team sheet because he has been brilliant so far.”
Terry revealed the entire squad was pleased to be home after the tour of Asia, which he felt had been important in helping the team regain their match fitness. The Chelsea central defender said he believed his side were now prepared for the new season.
The Blues skipper continued:
“The season is getting close. Fitness-wise we are looking good and playing well also. Hopefully this momentum can continue into the first game against Stoke."
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