EPL_Andre Villas-Boas Tipped
Andre Villas-Boas left much to be admired during his time managing in England, but he found success elsewhere and always seemed to have a good eye for talent. One player he played a significant role in developing was FC Porto's heroic former striker Hulk.
The Brazilian was a five-foot-eleven, 187-pound beast of a frontman whose name perfectly described his profile and playing style. There weren't many defenders who wanted to go toe-to-toe with him, and if they did, they were often left floored because of his strength and pace.
Hulk was just one of many strikers Villas-Boas worked with during his time in the dugout, but one attacker caught his eye at the start of their playing career. He was optimistic that the young Englishman could replicate the exploits of his former Porto number nine.
Villas-Boas Compared Former England Star To Hulk
"He has the natural ability"
Villas-Boas
Villas-Boas was a bold appointment made by Chelsea after the questionable decision to sack Carlo Ancelotti. There was a feeling that he could follow in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho, the most successful manager in the Blues' history.
To get there, he'd need a team that was just as dominant as his Porto side was in Liga Portugal, having arrived in July 2011 after overseeing an unbeaten league title alongside Portuguese Cup and Europa League triumphs.
We see, time and time again, coaches either target their former players or look for similar profiles to fit their playing philosophy. Erik ten Hag signed half of his Ajax squad while at Manchester United, while Mourinho has had his favourites, such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Nemanja Matic, throughout his managerial career.
Didier Drogba was leading the line at Chelsea when Villas-Boas arrived but the West Londoners needed to find a long-term replacement. Their new Portuguese tactician appeared to plan for Daniel Sturridge to be that man.
He said in an interview in 2011 (via The Telegraph):
Sturridge, then 22, was breaking into the Blues' first team and had caught his new manager's eye with several impressive displays two months into his short reign:
The English forward didn't possess the physique of Hulk, but he certainly had an eye for goal, managing 11 goals in 30 league games that season. His versatility allowed Villas-Boas to utilise him on the right while occasionally playing him as the lone striker.
Sturridge arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2009 after rising through Manchester City's youth ranks, and there was excitement regarding his potential. The only problem was the lack of first-team opportunities he was afforded, and he made the switch to Liverpool in January 2013 for a reported fee of £12m.
It was at Anfield where the Birmingham-born frontman enjoyed the best period of his career, flourishing alongside Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard. There was a Brazilian aura about Sturridge, not just in his technical ability and trickery, but also in his personality, which was akin to that of showboating Selecao stars who have graced the sport.
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Sturridge and Villas-Boas
Sturridge and Villas-Boas
Sturridge's career was plagued by injury issues, which hindered his progress and his goal of reaching his full potential. There was no doubt he was a talented player, but staying fit became a problem.
Brendan Rodgers coached him at Anfield and pointed to his fitness struggles holding him back from reaching the level of Suarez. He said (via GOAL):
Sturridge's partnership with Suarez was "up there with the best" in the Premier League, according to Rodgers. His tally of 22 goals and seven assists in 29 league games backed that stance up.
The injuries piled up for the forward, and once Jurgen Klopp replaced Rodgers in October 2015, it was clear that the German's intense coaching methods would be a problem. He was also without Suarez and soon found himself struggling for game time, leaving for West Bromwich Albion before spells to Trabzonspor in Turkiye and Perth Glory in Australia.
Sturridge's injury record also impacted his international career, earning 26 caps for England, but he enjoyed some memorable moments. A 90+2nd minute winner against Wales at Euro 2016 was one for his highlight reel, but after calling time on his career in early 2024, many will wonder what could have been if he wasn't struck by constant injuries.
All statistics courtesy ofTransfermarkt- correct as of 24.06.2025