Daniel Sturridge earned his hug and a place in Klopp's long-term plans with vintage Liverpool show

Liverpool's star names have made a habit of delivering big moments on the European stage. The club's history is littered with defining moments where their 'main men' have stepped up to the plate and steered them towards glory.

Once upon a time it was the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard; now Daniel Sturridge is hoping he has finally convinced Jurgen Klopp he can be his goal-getting protagonist.

The forward's future had been cast into doubt over the past week but he gave a timely reminder of just how pivotal he can be with a hand in all three goals as the Reds overturned a first-leg deficit to dismantle Villarreal and book a Europa League final showdown with Sevilla.

It was vintage Sturridge, a performance dripping with the swagger and verve that saw him emerge as one of the game's top forwards prior to 18 months of injury hell. His cool finish at the Anfield Road end just past the hour was the crucial second goal that swung the tie firmly in Liverpool's favour. It was his 52nd effort for the club in just 90 appearances.

That's a magnificent strike rate, particularly when you consider he notched half a century of goals for the Reds in less time than the likes of Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Luis Suarez and Kenny Dalglish. Only Albert Stubbins, Roger Hunt and Fernando Torres were faster to that tally, but then, his ability has never been in doubt.

That's where the frustration lies for both Klopp and Kopites. The reasons for the question marks are nothing new, they have been resurfacing for years. There are flashes of genius and then longer periods of absence, leaving concerns over his mentality and whether his body can sustain the rigours of a long, arduous campaign at the highest level. When you factor in Klopp's high-energy pressing game it's easy to see why the German has doubts.

That said, the England international will believe he is now showing that the dark days are behind him. He needed a platform and wanted to prove his manager wrong after he was left on the bench during the 1-0 reversal at the Estadio El Madrigal.

He did just that.

The German's decision not to call upon Sturridge in Spain was met with bemusement by pundits and fans alike, leading many to wonder if there was more to the omission.

Further fuel was added to the fire when Sturridge conducted a wide ranging interview in the days after the defeat, claiming: "I would never say I am Liverpool until I die, because I would be lying."

Former captain, Phil Thompson admitted he feared for Sturridge's future on the eve of the second leg and the striker's body language in Sunday's defeat at Swansea suggested all was not well.

At his brilliant best he ranks alongside the finest strikers in Europe, but keeping him fit and firing has proved all too problematic.

After Suarez's transfer to Barcelona brought a premature end to the frighteningly good SAS partnership, Sturridge was quite rightly installed as Liverpool's number one hit-man. However, all too regular spells on the sidelines have hampered that, meaning he has found his star status under scrutiny by the man so lauded for his man-management skills. There don't appear to have been many of those famous hugs. Instead, Sturridge's issues have been met with frustration by Klopp and the relationship between the pair is not as harmonious as Kopites would hope.

All may not be rosy between the pair in the Melwood garden, but the stakes don't get much higher than when you are trailing in a European semi-final and it was no surprise to see Sturridge recalled for the return clash at Anfield. He duly responded to his manager's SOS with the type of performance that illustrates just why he remains the club's great enigma.

Klopp evidently had deeper concerns over Sturridge than those outside his inner circle are privy to and they won't have completely evaporated despite the striker's key role in Liverpool reaching a first European final since 2007. The Reds boss opted for a three-pronged attack following the criticism of his conservative approach in Villarreal, but you sense he picked Sturridge because he simply had to. Christian Benteke was also available but his days have looked numbered for some time.

The backlash would have been severe had a Sturridge-less Liverpool bowed out and yet, if Divock Origi had been fit, the former Chelsea hitman could well have been witnessing another famous European night in L4 from the bench rather than playing a leading role in the triumph.

Origi had emerged as Klopp's forward of choice for the big occasion prior to his injury and that lack of faith in his work rate doesn't look to have gone down too well with Sturridge.

When asked about Klopp recently, he said: “For me, our relationship is OK, there are no problems on my part." It was hardly enthusiastic but after initially appearing to sulk he has at least now responded in the best possible way. And that hasn't gone unnoticed by his manager either.

In his post-Villarreal press conference Klopp said: " (He had ) a great game. You all see now when Daniel Sturridge is fit, he is an unbelievable striker. Everybody knows this but even he needs players to play with. I know about his quality. I knew it before I came here and now I know it better. [He is] a great player and it’s good to have him here."

The relationship seems to mirror Liverpool's season; occasional high points mixed with periods of frustration and exasperation. If you read between the lines it's obviously had some rough patches but it could yet conclude in triumph and harmony. Sturridge's display against Villarreal will almost certainly see him start - if fit - when Liverpool lock horns with Sevilla on May 18 in Basel.

Victory in Switzerland would be a remarkable way for Klopp to mark a first season at the helm. While for Sturridge, there would be no better way to hammer home the message that he can still be Liverpool's main man by firing them to glory and turning Klopp himself from doubter into believer.