Despite Liverpool making six changes, including leaving Stewart Downing out of the squad for last night’s game, there was no space for talented youngster Sterling even on the bench.
When 17-year-old Raheem Sterling made a 10 minute cameo off the bench at home to Wigan last month, he earned rave reviews.
Former midfielder Dietmar Hamann called for him to be given more first team chances, with fans praising his brief but direct showing.
It led us to ask, ‘Did Kenny Dalglish see what we saw?’
The answer to that question is, clearly not.
In the three games since, against Newcastle, Villa and Blackburn, the manager’s team selection has seen Sterling left out of all three squads.
The question worth asking now, is why?
It is not that Sterling came on against Wigan and turned in a shocker, giving away a goal. When he arrived on the pitch he was a constant worry for the Latics defence, and was a busy threat.
There were Liverpool fans who reacted to it commenting that they saw more in Sterling’s 10 minutes than they have seen in Stewart Downing’s performances all season.
Whether that be hyperbole, or simply a damning indictment of Downing’s efforts, it seemed clear to all that the young winger at least deserved another chance.
With Liverpool having little to play for in the league apart from pride, there may never be a better time to throw in a couple of youngsters, but the opportunity this season is rapidly fading.
There had been transfer rumours that Tottenham were ready to launch a bid for him, as he is reportedly unsettled and unhappy at a lack of first team opportunities.
Does Kenny Dalglish really think he will be satisfied with 10 minutes? If anything it will increase his desire to step up more than ever, and if he does not believe he will make it at Liverpool then it could intensify his leanings towards moving on.
The games against Villa and Blackburn especially would have been ideal opportunities to throw Sterling in, off the bench, and give him another chance to impress.
Each time he is left out now it is a disappointment to fans, so you can only imagine what it is like for the player himself.
There could be one unlikely explanation here, in that Dalglish did see what Sterling could contribute, and is saving him as a surprise/secret impact sub to use in this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final.
But we doubt it in honesty, most likely is that Dalglish simply watches the game through different eyes to the rest of us, and rates Downing as a better option.
The other question raised from last night’s performance and team selection is Maxi Rodriguez. We have previously asked why Dalglish is so averse to including him, and he proved a point last night by turning it on.
As Dalglish’s return becomes more and more of a divisive issue among fans, these are just two more questions supporters would like to see him answer honestly.
Why do you think Sterling has not been included the last three matches? Has Dalglish been making a mistake?
image: © kong niffe
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