Liverpool ace Sturridge likens Europa League battle to FIFA 16 pressure

Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge knows exactly how to prepare for his team's Europa League second-leg fixture against Borussia Dortmund; he's felt this kind of pressure before, after all, in a virtual Anfield in EA Sports' FIFA 16.

With Dortmund coming to town on Thursday and an away-goal advantage in his pocket following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Sturridge had no trouble finding a way to explain exactly how the task ahead feels.

"It's like when you're playing a final on FIFA and you're playing against your mate. You've all put £20 in the middle and there's £100,” Sturridge told the club's official website. "The pressure's on, your palms are sweaty, but as you get into the game, the nerves go away and you enjoy it. And that's exactly what it's like!"

Sturridge has had plenty of experience dealing with the pressures of the beautiful game when armed only with a controller and his scoring instinct. The perpetually injured striker has had plenty of time to kick his feet up on the living room table, sidelined as he was for 18 months.

He also offered a serious explanation:

"It's going to be a great occasion, not just for the players but the fans, for everyone who isn't involved with Liverpool as well - they'll enjoy the match," Sturridge said. "It's one of those occasions where you just soak it all up, enjoy it, embrace it, have fun, that's what you live for."