Raheem Sterling has become a more prominent figure for Liverpool this season.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has lavished praise on winger Raheem Sterling and feels he has upped his game after becoming a prominent figure in the first-team.
The England international came to prominence last season as he notched up a number of impressive performances during the Reds’ successful Premier League season.
Alongside the likes of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, the 19-year-old created his fair share as the Anfield outfit went on to score a whopping 101 league goals over the campaign.
This season, Brendan Rodgers’ men in contrast have struggled and the absence of Suarez and Sturridge – who is currently out with injury – has been telling, especially in-front of goal.
Sterling, despite being relatively speaking an inexperienced player, has continued to impress on Merseyside as Rodgers argues that his new-found responsibilities have arguably made him even better.
“He has taken on extra responsibility, absolutely, and kicked on. I have reiterated to him his qualities and strengths, his pace, skill, his directness – that’s his game,” Rodgers explained, quoted by the Mirror.
“I think you have seen him develop into a very good young footballer. He’s not just someone who can run direct with the ball, he can play one-touch, he can play two-touch. He’s such a threat.”
“You looked at him the other night against the boy De Laet, who is a super-quick player. Raheem’s pace was frightening. His runs were very good and at 19, nearly 20, I think he’s shown he has gone to an extra level.”
Sterling has started 13 Premier League games for the Reds this season, scoring three goals and adding a further four assists.
His impressive performances have drawn comparisons with Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo when he was at a similar age.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
