Daniel Sturridge
Reuters

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann claims Daniel Sturridge's quality and pace to beat opponents has made him a complete player for the Reds.

The England international completed his move to Anfield from Chelsea earlier in January and since then has been in impressive form for the Merseyside club. Sturridge bagged 10 goals and three assists in 14 league appearances for Liverpool during the second half of last season.

The former Chelsea man has flourished under Brendan Rodgers and has been on a prolific run in the Premier League this term, scoring six goals and managing two assists in seven appearances.

"His speed allows Liverpool to stretch opponents. Defenders don't want him running in behind them so they drop off deep. That creates more room for Sturridge and his teammates," Hamann told Liverpool's official website.

"Then there is his ability to beat opponents with trickery. Not too many centre-forwards can go past men or evade challenges the way he does. Technically he is very good too."

Rodgers had Luis Suarez as the lone striker for the first-half of last season. Hamann believes his former club were short of options on the attacking front and the arrival of Sturridge earlier this year has strengthened their strike-force.

The former Swansea boss has Sturridge and Suarez to lead Liverpool's attack and the duo share nine goals between them in the league.

"What I like about Daniel is that he can do everything. His all-round game is superb. Pace is one of the major and most noticeable assets. Before he joined in January I felt the team was lacking in that department," the former Reds midfielder said.

Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is hopeful of being available for the league clash against Newcastle United this weekend. The Wales international has been on the sidelines since picking up a hamstring injury during the Capital One Cup clash against Notts County in August.

"I'm almost there, basically. The plan is to get back into training, get a good few days leading up to the Newcastle game and hopefully I'll be available for selection from there on. It has been a bit of a frustrating time - it always is when you're injured - but I'm finally getting there," Allen explained.