Liverpool threw on young prospect Sterling in an effort to rescue Saturday’s defeat. Surely he will be given more chances before the season is over.
You would hope Kenny Dalglish was impressed by Raheem Sterling’s cameo against Wigan Athletic, but then lately, you never know.
The manager was adamant that Luis Suarez did not handle the ball for his disallowed goal, despite television replays showing otherwise.
He also remains steadfast in his commitment to his signings, such as Henderson and Downing- last week commenting it would take ‘a hell of a player’ to improve on them.
Is the man who spent £35 million on Andy Carroll really seeing the game with the same eyes as the rest of us?
Raheem Sterling will hope his manager was impressed on Saturday by his seven minute show.
Ultimately it was not enough to turn the game, but the 17-year-old showed just why he is so highly rated. He was direct, a bag of tricks, and unpredictable for defenders.
They did not know whether he was going to run the byline and whip in a cross, or cut inside and drive straight for goal, winning a free-kick in a key area, and was not afraid to have a shot himself, even if his effort was mishit.
Harsh critics would say they saw more in Sterling’s seven minutes than they have in £20 million man Stewart Downing’s performances all season long.
Former player Didi Hamann agreed, commenting he thought he did more in his brief appearance than many players did in the 90.
Liverpool are now at a position in the season where the club must reassess and decide what they want to gain from the remaining games.
Yes they are still in the FA Cup, and may go on to win a second trophy of the season, but in the Premier League, their form is desperate, having won just eight points in 2012, and losing four of their last five games.
Is there any point persevering with the same starters who have underperformed all season long? Not really. They have had their chance.
Now is the chance to bring in youngsters like Raheem Sterling, and even young striker Adam Morgan.
What have Liverpool got to lose? In the league they surely will finish in the top 10, and have European qualification already assured. The benefits they gain from giving their best youngsters first team experience will be felt in the future. It will also give underperforming players a much-needed kick up the backside.
Sterling showed on Saturday that his talents are ready to be given a chance on the biggest stage. We hope Kenny Dalglish sees this too, because to see seven minutes of his talent, and to not be given the opportunity to see him again this season would be worse than not seeing him at all.
image: © kong niffe
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