Brendan Rodgers is of the belief that Daniel Sturridge is truly an elite footballer.

The 26-year-old striker put behind him a lengthy injury absence to score a brace in Liverpool's 3-2 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, prompting words of absolute praise from his manager.

Rodgers was asked if Sturridge's injury problems last season, which restricted him to seven starts, cost his side a top-four spot to which the Northern Irishman replied: "Yes, because he is in that elite band of player that we've seen here.

"We've seen here the brand of football we can create when we have that talent available. He played a massive part in that, so if he stays fit and others come into the reckoning we can piece together an exciting team again. Those players make the difference."

Rodgers added: "He gives you a big opportunity to win games and compete at the top end of the table. He is a fantastic talent and now we hope he can stay fit."