10 Underwhelming Liverpool Signings Who Became Cult Heroes

3. Daniel Sturridge

It seems crazy to think that a footballer with 36 goals in his first 52 games for his club wasn't warmly received upon his arrival. It seems eons ago now, but if one were to cast their mind back to January 2012, there were criticisms thrown at Brendan Rodgers for wasting £12 million on a player who had flattered to deceive at every big club he had been at. With a modest strike record at Chelsea - 13 in 63 appearances - this was simply yet another case of their club being ripped off on an 'up-and-coming British talent'. Still waking up in cold sweats about the reign of terror under Dalglish and the influx of English flops for vast amounts of cash, this body-popping prima donna was not was needed if the club were to seriously make a push for Champions League. Of course, Sturridge has been absolutely lethal in front of goal for the Reds, with a strike record amongst the best in Europe. Forming one of the most prolific partnerships in Premier League history last season alongside Luis Suarez, havoc was wreaked upon terrorized defences the length and breadth of the country. Any inkling that the former Man City youth may have been a trouble-maker was instantly dismissed - he has been nothing short of the utmost professional, with eyes only for the back of the net. Suarez has since departed these shores, and in his place is the Italian maverick Mario Balotelli. Can Sturridge strike up a similar partnership this season? It probably won't bear as many fruits, such was the potent finishing of the Uruguayan, but one thing is for sure - Sturridge will be looking to break the 20 goal barrier yet again. Quite possibly the best £12 million Brendan Rodgers has ever spent.