Daniel Sturridge celebrations prove critics wrong after emotional reaction displays his commitment to Liverpool

Sturridge has had his commitment to the club questioned in recent weeks but he hit back in the right way after leading Liverpool to the Europa League final

Daniel Sturridge celebrates for Liverpool after scoring a goal against Villarreal (Getty)

Daniel Sturridge ditched his famous goal celebration in a display of raw emotion after scoring the goal that took Liverpool through to the Europa League final, answering his critics in the process that had questioned whether the striker had the desire to play for the club any longer.

The England international was subject of criticism following his lacklustre display against Southampton last weekend, having been left out of Liverpool’s Europa League semi-final first-leg defeat against Villarreal.

But any questions of Sturridge’s commitment to the Reds were answered by Thursday night’s display in which he had a helping hand in Bruno Soriano’s opening own-goal before getting on the scoresheet to put the Anfield side ahead on aggregate.

The celebrations that followed were an example of Liverpool’s incredible run to the final, in which they have had to come from behind to see off Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal, and the striker even required treatment after the celebrations as he caught a stray fist with his lip.

The goal was the focal point of what proved to be an emotional night for Sturridge, who showed his worth to the team as well as deliver a timely reminder to England manager Roy Hodgson of what he can offer when he is at his best.

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However, the team celebrations that followed the match were soon cut short when Sturridge was called in for a drug test, and after providing a sample the striker took to his Instagram page to inform fans he had been left “all on my own” in the Anfield changing room.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised Sturridge’s display after the match and stressed that he had faith in the former Manchester City and Chelsea forward despite his injury troubles earlier in the season. Sturridge now has five goals in his last seven appearances, and Klopp was delighted with his impact on the match having been restored to the starting line-up.

"A great game from Daniel Sturridge," Klopp added.

"You all see now when Daniel Sturridge is fit he is an unbelievable striker but even he needs players to play with and I know about his quality, I knew before I came here. Great player."