"His best position is as a central striker," Rodgers, quoted in various newspapers, said of Sturridge.

"I have said 4-3-3 will become richer because of the type of players and there is not one way to play 4-3-3.

"You can have one up and two wingers, a floating nine like Luis Suarez, or you can have one like Daniel Sturridge playing centrally, with two in and around him playing narrow and full backs bombing on.

"The principles of your game are based on your players. I think for Daniel his best position will be straight through the middle with his pace."

That raises questions about the role of Suarez, who has been one of the top performers in the league this season.

"Luis will play for the common good of the team," Rodgers said. "I spoke with Luis at length on this subject a number of times. This has been the plan for a few months. When he played at Ajax he played in behind the central striker as a No 10, in between the lines.

"He also played as a reverse winger from the left side. He wasn't quite out wide, he was tucked in round the corner.

"Wherever he plays he will make the same movements and he will find the space because he is a world-class player. It is not a problem at all.

"It is never a problem having top players so don't talk about problems with players. We need good players."