MLS: Top 3 Daniel Sturridge landing spots following Liverpool departure

1. New York City FC

The most obvious MLS link for Sturridge is the most talked about: New York City FC. The Blues have improved of late, going unbeaten in nine games, sneaking above the playoff line having lost just one game all season so far. However, with just 18 goals, they’re the fourth-lowest scorers in the Eastern Conference.

That record isn’t helped by the fact they’ve played the fewest games (13) but there aren’t many people who would disagree that NYCFC need a long-term replacement for David Villa. Alexandru Mitriță was brought in for big money at the start of the season but he’s much happier playing on the left-hand side, where he can use his brilliant dribbling skills to cut inside toward goal, very much creating chances for himself. Villa had this in abundance, too, but was far more threatening when played through the middle.

Heber has also stepped into the side very well recently but until then, NYCFC lacked a real, central threat to feed off crosses and test centre-backs with runs in behind. Should the Brazilian fall foul to injury, they’ll once again have a problem.

Sturridge came through the youth system at Manchester City. and will be very familiar with the inner workings of the City group and its hierarchy.  Furthermore, Khaldoon Al Mubarak’s recent pledge to ‘crack MLS’ shows a real intent to sign big players. They will pay the money it would take to attract Sturridge.

With him as the tip of the sword, serviced by the likes of Maxi Moralez, Mitriță and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, NYCFC would have enough firepower to start turning those draws into wins, making them a real threat once we head towards MLS Cup.