Daniel Sturridge impressed viewers in April when he delivered a punditry masterclass during Liverpool's visit to Chelsea – and it was a taste of things to come.
The 33-year-old former England international will soon become a regular on our screens after it was confirmed on Friday that he will join the Sky Sports football presenting team for the 2023/24 campaign.
Sturridge, who lifted two Champions League titles, one Premier League title and two FA Cups, has made 383 appearances for club and country, scoring 134 times during a 16-year playing career.
But now, a year after being released by Australian A-league side Perth Glory, the enigmatic Sturridge will join the likes of Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Jamie Redknapp on punditry duty.
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"The Premier League season kicks off tonight and I am excited to be a part of it all with Sky Sports," he said after the news was announced."
Sturridge added: "I'm looking forward to using my experience on the pitch and bringing this insight to the fans watching at home."
The former Manchester City forward will certainly bring a fresh perspective to the team.
Back in April, after a largely drab affair between Liverpool and Chelsea, he earned plenty of plaudits after explaining the importance of confidence to a Premier League striker.
Sturridge, who said he would often talk to himself on the pitch in a bid to remain calm, claimed that crucial control and self-belief was lacking from the Chelsea team.
One fan commented on the below clip, saying: “When he is talking about finishing - he is talking with pedigree. And the preview videos just show a different dimension to his personality. He's brilliant.”
While another said: “Very good to be fair. Totally different to the boring cliché rubbish you hear.”
Based on his appearance at Stamford Bridge last season, the 33-year-old will become a fan favourite in the coming months.
Sky Sports' director of football, Gary Hughes, is delighted with their latest addition.
"Daniel has been an outstanding striker for three of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and he'll bring all of his fantastic playing experience and incredible knowledge of the game to our coverage this season," he said.
"We welcome him to the team and all of us at Sky Sports are looking forward to what's set to be a season full of drama and entertainment."
Thoughts on Sturridge joining the Sky Sports football presenting team for the season ahead?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Daniel Sturridge, Sky Sports, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City
Jack Kenmare