Daniel Sturridge: Why it was 'double disappointment' for Liverpool striker against Villarreal, explains Michael Owen

The striker was not used by Jurgen Klopp in last night's Europa League defeat

Daniel Sturridge with Jurgen Klopp (Getty)

Daniel Sturridge has reason to be doubly disappointed during Liverpool's Europa League defeat to to Villarreal last night, according to Michael Owen.

The striker was an unused substitute for the 1-0 Europa League semi-final first leg defeat.

The decision from Jurgen Klopp to omit the England international came as a surprise, particular considering Sturridge has scored in his three previous appearances.

If Sturridge was feeling disappointed, according to Owen that would have been compounded when Klopp overlooked him in favour of Christian Benteke, who came on in the 90th minute of the match.

"As a centre forward you're obviously itching to get on, you feel you can change games," said Owen on BT Sport.

"And it's a double disappointment when you see Benteke go on. The rest of us can see Klopp has done it from a tactical point of view.

"Klopp would have been in two minds who to play, if I was Sturridge I would be really disappointed especially as they've played an attacking midfielder [Roberto Firmino] in his place.

"It's very difficult for Sturridge. Actions speak louder than words and he must be disappointed with [Divock] Origi being out. Strikers are a funny breed and you don't feel wanted when you're left out. It will leave a scar."

Fellow BT Sport pundit Steve McManaman felt the decision to leave Sturridge out must have been tactical, and then offered some advice for the injury plagued striker.

"Sturridge just needs to keep his head down," explained McManaman. "I expected him [Sturridge] to play. It has really surprised me but I think it's because they are away from home and wanted to be really compact."

Villarreal celebrate their win over Liverpool (Getty)

Meanwhile another former Liverpool player, Jamie Carragher, also questioned Klopp's decision when he tweeted: "How long before people stop saying 'This front 3 played away at City' [where Liverpool won 4-1 in November] Sturridge got to come into the equation."

Klopp's decision to exclude Sturridge came into sharp focus when Adrian Lopez scored the only goal of the game in second-half injury time.

The second leg at Anfield will be played next Thursday.