Sturridge defends experienced team-mates

Daniel Sturridge has defended his experienced Chelsea team-mates after they received criticism for the club’s recent run of poor results.

The Blues lost successive matches against QPR and Arsenal in the Premier League in October, and despite returning to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers, Andre Villas-Boas’ side now sit nine points behind league leaders Manchester City.

Sturridge, who has scored five goals in 11 appearances since cementing his place in the Chelsea first-team this season, believes the likes of John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba are still important players for the Stamford Bridge club.

“The disrespect I’ve seen towards the likes of JT (Terry] and others is ridiculous,” Sturridge said.

“When times get hard, these are the sort of players who step up to the plate.”

“It’s not just the younger players people should be looking at, thinking they’re the exciting ones.”

“Ashley Cole, JT, Lamps, Didier – these are the players which keep the team going. They are the heart of the team.”

“They have been here a lot longer than I have, or any of the younger guys coming through have. They’re the ones who are paving the way for us. I can only look up to them right now.”

“The younger players wouldn’t be able to perform when faced with adversity – because we’re not used to it. It’s a big change for us.”

“But the older players have been through it. To have those players around the club makes your job so much easier.”