Brendan Rodgers: Daniel Sturridge 'a top talent'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers feels that Daniel Sturridge has proven to everyone that he is a top talent after his double against Aston Villa.

Sturridge scored twice in eight second-half minutes to seal a 3-2 win at Anfield and Rodgers believes that the England international pushes Liverpool to another level.

Rodgers told reporters after the game: "It's not rocket science, to compete at the top you need top players, and Daniel has reminded everybody he is a really top talent.

"When you miss that from your team it will affect anyone. The last time we scored three goals was when he started a game."

The 26-year-old has scored 42 goals in 68 games for the Merseyside club since joining from Chelsea in January 2013.