Daniel Sturridge: Watching Pippo Inzaghi taught me how to score goals, says Liverpool striker

England man says AC Milan manager has been a big influence on his career

(BT Sport)

Liverpool and England striker Daniel Sturridge has revealed an unlikely influence over his career so far - former AC Milan and Italy poacher Filippo Inzaghi.

Sturridge, who started for the first time since August in the 3-2 win against Spurs on Tuesday night, said that the now retired Inzaghi, current manager of AC Milan, was a player he "really liked to watch".

The 25-year-old has been sensational for the reds since moving in January 2013, coring 37 goals in just 55 matches in all competitions, including a career-high 24 goals last season as Liverpool came close to winning the Premier League.

Sturridge, who has played just six matches this season because of injury, says that it was former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti who suggested he study Inzaghi - a move that has clearly paid off.

"I still watch [other players]," said Sturridge, speaking exclusively to Michael Owen and BT Sport as one of its ambassadors.

Pippo Inzaghi scored 288 goals in a lethal career (AP)

"I watch stuff over five times, I’ll watch the same person over five, 10 times. I’ve got DVDs of Ronaldo, of [Thierry] Henry, of you, [Robbie] Fowler, [Dennis] Bergkamp. The list goes on. I still watch clips. So many different players, I still watch the clips, still watch the moves.

"I remember when I was at Chelsea and Ancellotti used to say 'watch a DVD of Inzaghi' – movement in terms of runs in behind and what makes strikers score goals.

"At the time I used to like to come short and play passes and be more involved in the game, but as time goes on you realise playing on the shoulder does create opportunities, not just for yourself but for your team-mates too."

Sturridge has been brilliant since moving to Anfield (Getty)

He added: "Inzaghi was one that I really liked to watch, because he was completely different to how I played, but he gave me something I didn’t have and actually helped me out a lot. Probably a lot of the goals I score now have come from him."

Inzaghi, once described by Sir Alex Ferguson as "born offside", scored 288 goals in his 21-year playing career, winning three Serie A titles, two Champions League titles and the World Cup in 2006.

In a wide-ranging interview, Sturridge also speaks about Raheem Sterling, his ambitions as a footballer, how he felt Chelsea and Manchester City didn't believe in him and what the Reds can achieve this season.

Watch the full interview on 'Owen Meets Sturridge' at 10pm BT Sport 1 Thursday, 12 February. Watch Crystal Palace vs Liverpool in the FA Cup 5th round on BT Sport 1 from 5pm on Sat, February14