Dan’s the man: Sturridge reaction pleases Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp after Bournemouth win

Juergen Klopp said Daniel Sturridge provided the ideal response to being dropped after starring on his return to the first team in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Bournemouth.

Sturridge had been left on the bench for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg victory over Borussia Dortmund, just as he had been for the first leg a week previously against Klopp’s former club.

On both occasions the striker has returned with a goal after being restored to the team, first against Stoke City and then again in Sunday’s victory at Bournemouth that moved Liverpool up to eighth place in the Premier League table.

Sturridge also provided the assist for Roberto Firmino to put Liverpool ahead against Eddie Howe’s side and could have added to the visitors’ tally when he twice struck the woodwork.

With the England player’s long-term future at Anfield in the spotlight following another injury-affected season that has forced him to watch from the sideline for much of the campaign, Sturridge appears to be running into form at exactly the right time, with six goals in eight Premier League starts.

Liverpool manager Klopp said: “Yes (it was the response I wanted), He really is in really good shape, mental-wise and physical-wise it’s really good, and for us so important, because, for example, Roberto Firmino now has an injury problem after he was in perfect shape.”

Divock Origi started both games against Dortmund ahead of Sturridge and with Everton due to visit Anfield for this week’s Merseyside derby, Klopp made it clear nobody can be sure of their place.