Raheem Sterling into the first team? Liverpool fans have been demanding it ever since the youth team annihilated Southend United in the FA Youth Cup 9-0 – a game in which he scored five of the goals; and these were no ‘tap ins’ either.
Now it’s looking more and more likely that the wish will finally come true under Brendan Rodgers; a keen admirer of the 17 year old wonderkid, the Liverpool manager has already given him a lot of preseason playing time including handing him his first European cap within a matter of weeks.
However, it still remains to be seen whether he will be utilised more often in competitive matches and what effect his inclusion will have on the team or his future.
One thing that is instantly evident when Sterling is on the pitch is that he is the fastest player in the squad. Liverpool have lacked this pace since Babel left and have been crying out for it ever since.
Additionally, it’s not just about how fast you can run with a ball – it’s also what you do with it. This is not merely pace without product; Sterling is adept at taking on defenders with his close dribbling which causes all sorts of problems in the tackle.
Then, having gotten past the defenders he has shown that he is capable of providing a cutting edge with either foot. Recently, he scored a goal that demonstrated all of the above attributes at once against Bayer Leverkusen. This was by no means a one off as the goal was almost a carbon copy of his second and third goals during his Southend brace.
Rodgers knows better than most how to keep a young player grounded from his time in the Chelsea youth staff. He will know best how to hone the winger’s youthful enthusiasm to suit the team.
Sterling has the traits of a player that Rodgers admires; he is hardworking and dogged – not only in attack but also in his defensive duties, so it’s no wonder Rodgers has immediately taken to him.
But what Rodgers will be wary of is too much exuberance; too much too soon has been the demise of many a young phenomenon. Dalglish was extremely guarded with Sterling because of this but many suggested that he was overprotective. With the fans asking for so much in a short time, the club will do well to curtail the sensationalism adorned on his pre-teen brow.
There are not many 17 year olds with the head of a seasoned professional on their shoulders, in pressure cooker situations, in the game. One has to wonder how Sterling will fare on the big occasion against the Premier League giants especially as he has a slight tendency – as most players out of their depth do – to drift in and out of the action.
He needs to be ‘on’ for 90 minutes and beyond if the competition calls for it. With all due respect to Southend Youth and Leverkusen, the Premiership offers up far tougher challenges from superior opposition.
This being said, the only way to gain experience is to be given the opportunity to impress. Rodgers seems to understand that and will undoubtedly act accordingly.
The best method will still be to ease Sterling in with limited appearances, possibly best served through short time as a late substitution where he can influence or change the outcome of proceedings to favour the Merseysiders.
How should Liverpool best utilise Sterling this coming season?
image: © kong niffe
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