LIVERPOOL -- Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge insists that he enjoys playing alongside Mario Balotelli, and that they can form a successful attacking partnership.
The pair played together for only the second time on Saturday as Crystal Palace were beaten 2-1 at Selhurst Park in an FA Cup fifth-round tie. Both forwards had a key part to play in that win as the Reds recovered from a half-time deficit: Sturridge volleyed in the equaliser from a Jordan Henderson cross, and Adam Lallana fired in the winner from close range after Balotelli's free-kick was saved.
The Italy international, signed from AC Milan for 16 million pounds last August, also finally scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool as Tottenham were beaten 3-2 at Anfield on Feb. 10. Meanwhile Sturridge is beginning to regain full match fitness, having returned to action at the end of January after five months out with thigh and calf problems.
Both are set to play a part when Turkish league leaders Besiktas visit Anfield for a Europa League round of 32 first leg match on Thursday. When asked if he thought there was potential for his partnership with Balotelli to develop, Sturridge said: "Of course. For me it's easy to play with Mario -- and not just Mario, but any of my teammates.
"I enjoy playing with Mario. He's a great guy. I get along with him, and I feel we can have a successful partnership. It's down to the manager and who he selects. But from my point of view, I feel I can play with him or any player in the team because I get along with everybody.
"You have to adapt your game to each individual. It's different playing with different players. So whether it's Mario or anyone else, I'll do my best to make sure it works for the benefit of the team."
Manager Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, believes he can sense a growing maturity in England forward Sturridge's game since his return from injury.
Rodgers said: "He's obviously had a tough period being out. When you're that talented and you've got so much ability, to be out for that length of time is very difficult.
"He's been able to go away and reflect on the elements of his game. He hasn't just been recovering in terms of his injury. He's been analysing his game.
"What's been brilliant for me, and I saw it at the game on Saturday, is that he's come back and taken on a real leadership role as well.
"He's going back, he's organising at corners and set-pieces and making sure people do that job, as well as showing that wonderful ability that he has.
"He's a top-class talent and it's been great to see his movement and relationship with the other players in the system. He brings real light to it. Those are the qualities we've seen, even though he's still looking for his fitness."