The thing is, he does appear to be out of the team at this point. On most recent evidence, he does not make the first 11 unless there are injuries to key players. Thats fairly indisputable. People are looking at the tackling stat, looking at the way the first choice front three play and then putting 2 and 2 together. I don't really see much wrong with that; it seems logical enough.
Your support for the player and repeated defence of him against criticism is admirable. Honest question though: Do you think Klopp fancies him or not? And why?
I've also posted I think he'll be sold in the summer.
Quoting tackling stats for a striker is just a silly to me - I can't imagine for a single second it's why he's out the team or even a factor. What were Lewandoski's tackling stats for Dortmund.... please don't check... no one cares. Including Klopp. Tackling stats are suspect as all hell anyway before you get to arguments about whether you should care if your 9 is making them
'Pressing' and off the ball ability a certainly a factor but the more significant factor to be is a) a positive choice of Firmino (rather than a negative reflection on Sturridge - Klopp just prefers him as his line leader). b) the system we're playing not really having room for an out and out number 9
I'm always motivated to post in this thread when I see black and white arguments about Sturridge.
His ability level hasn't fallen off a cliff - his underlying numbers last season were more than solid, he's been unlucky with his finishing this season. There's also a lot of football left to play this season and he'll get plenty of chances (players get injured, rotation etc) and probably score important goals for us.
The front 3 have played super well together this season - but then they've also played super well with Sturridge in there (vs Liecester, second half vs Swansea)
I don't have a problem with him not starting for us at the moment. I do have a problem with people writing him off and a particular problem with people saying he's out the team because he has a low tackle stat