After his contract at Manchester City expired, the 20-year-old forward chose Chelsea and the Champions League as the place to develop his talents further.
We already knew what he could do having seen him score against us in the FA Youth Cup two seasons ago, and it was in the senior version of the competition that he really began to make his mark at Stamford Bridge, netting four times in three games against Watford, Preston North End and Cardiff City after the turn of the year.
Signed as one for the future, Daniel’s ambition shone through immediately and he scored on his Chelsea debut in a friendly against Seattle, turning sharply and slotting home. He was rewarded with a call-up to England Under-21s in August, making his debut against Holland.
When the real business got going though he had to be patient, waiting until October for a first Chelsea start, and then missing two big chances to get off the mark against Bolton in the Carling Cup.
Confidence remained high though, and his introduction against Fulham just after Christmas instigated a vital comeback. Then in the absence of Didier Drogba, January saw him begin to find the net as Carlo Ancelotti predicted he would, with the three Championship sides dispatched on the way to the last eight of the Cup.
A first Premier League goal arrived in April when Stoke were put to the sword, and a winners' medal after appearing 13 times will have spurred him on for more success next season. The manager has already discussed giving youth a chance, so expect Sturridge to feature more regularly.
We already knew what he could do having seen him score against us in the FA Youth Cup two seasons ago, and it was in the senior version of the competition that he really began to make his mark at Stamford Bridge, netting four times in three games against Watford, Preston North End and Cardiff City after the turn of the year.
Signed as one for the future, Daniel’s ambition shone through immediately and he scored on his Chelsea debut in a friendly against Seattle, turning sharply and slotting home. He was rewarded with a call-up to England Under-21s in August, making his debut against Holland.
When the real business got going though he had to be patient, waiting until October for a first Chelsea start, and then missing two big chances to get off the mark against Bolton in the Carling Cup.
Confidence remained high though, and his introduction against Fulham just after Christmas instigated a vital comeback. Then in the absence of Didier Drogba, January saw him begin to find the net as Carlo Ancelotti predicted he would, with the three Championship sides dispatched on the way to the last eight of the Cup.
A first Premier League goal arrived in April when Stoke were put to the sword, and a winners' medal after appearing 13 times will have spurred him on for more success next season. The manager has already discussed giving youth a chance, so expect Sturridge to feature more regularly.
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