Jamie Carragher has urged Daniel Sturridge to force his way back into the first team at Liverpool but warns the England striker may not have the attributes required to thrive under manager Jurgen Klopp.
Sturridge has been linked with a move away from Liverpool after slipping down Klopp's pecking order this season, yet the Reds boss used his news conference on Friday to confirm that he would not consider any offers for Sturridge in the upcoming January transfer window.
Now Anfield great Carragher has told ESPN FC that the England striker could still play a big role in Liverpool's Premier League title challenge, as he backed the forward to make his mark with a glut of goals.
"You can't even consider letting a player like that leave midway through a season, and if I was Daniel Sturridge, I wouldn't want to go anywhere yet either," Carragher said, speaking at an event to promote a month of festive football on Sky Sports.
"I can understand if we get to the end of the campaign and he looks at his position, if he is not in the team, then maybe he could consider his options, but this could be a very special season for Liverpool and Daniel has a chance to play a major part in.
"I don't think he can do better than being at Liverpool at the moment, even if he's not playing as often as he might want at the moment. Liverpool would not sell him to a big rival and while he could go to a mid-table team, Daniel Sturridge is better than that.
"As for Liverpool, they would be crazy to cash in on him and I don't see it happening. Daniel is under contract so whatever is said in the media, he should stay at the club."
The ankle injury suffered by Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho in last weekend's game against Sunderland will force Klopp to shuffle his attacking line in Sunday's Premier League game at Bournemouth, yet Sturridge will not get an opportunity to return to first-team starting duty as he is nursing an injury.
Carragher suspects Sturridge's disappointing injury record "would be a factor" that could discourage potential suitors weighing up a move to sign the England forward, as he admits he might not be a striker who naturally fits into the current Liverpool game plan.
"He is not a typical Jurgen Klopp striker," Carragher added. "He is very economical with his running off the ball, but his scoring record is fantastic.
"From my perspective, his record is such that I would play him and let others do the running around him, but Klopp doesn't work like that.
"He wants everyone to buy in to what he is doing and who is to argue with him. The managerial career he has had, the job he has done at Liverpool, you have to back this manager's judgement.
"Daniel has had a lot of chances to impress Klopp, but he tends to revert to Roberto Firmino as his lead striker more often than not and I don't see that changing.
"Firmino has been absolutely great, brilliant. What a signing he has been for Liverpool and he fits perfectly into what his manager wants from his lead striker.
"In addition, Klopp has lifted his performance levels to another level and he is integral to how Liverpool play and that is why Daniel is struggling to get into the team. Firmino starts that pressing game, which is why he is so important to the set-up."
Firmino is battling to be fit for Sunday's game at Bournemouth, but Klopp has confirmed that Adam Lallana has recovered from his recent groin injury and will be available for selection.