Speculation will reach boiling point over the next few days as the final transfers of the window are completed. Liverpool are, as usual, being linked with a plethora of players from England and abroad. We reported earlier that Theo Walcott, who supported The Reds as a boy, is one who could make the move north before midnight on Friday.
It’s highly possible that one or two more will be added to Liverpool’s rank imminently, but there is a young player at Anfield who may prove to be better than any new signing for the team this season.
Much has been said of the potential of Raheem Sterling. At 17, most players need time to adjust. And, of course, there is much room for improvement in the Jamaican forward who was signed from QPR in 2010 for an initial fee of around £600,000.
Brendan Rodgers is an adventurous coach and he will have seen much in the youngster’s performance against Manchester City that he will be encouraged by. We would go as far as to say that Sterling has a great chance to become a first team player this season.
The fact that he was given his first league start against Manchester City speaks volumes for Rodger’s belief in the player. He could have eased the lad in at home against lesser opposition but he chose to throw him in against the champions. You don’t do this unless you have great confidence in a player. At 17, a really bad performance could destroy a player’s confidence and, ultimately, his top flight career. But Rodgers clearly had no problems with his selection and already feels that Sterling is the man for the job.
And what a full league debut. Although he was on the periphery at times, when he was called into action he didn’t disappoint. He’s quick, composed and has a superb touch which allows him to keep the ball close even when running at full tilt. And, crucially, he already looks as if he has the final ball in his locker – Sterling provided some excellent chances for his team mates from wide areas on Sunday.
If you had to chose between Walcott and Sterling, even at this stage, many would plump for the latter. Walcott is a great athlete and can have a big impact on any game. But Sterling looks like a thoroughbred footballer already. He understands the game in a way that only top footballers do. This could be a very exciting season for Sterling at Liverpool.
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Johnny
Aug 29, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Walcott £110k PW, Sterling £15k PW, enough said.
Firoz Hirji
Aug 29, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Theo Walcot looks like will be staying put at Arsenal according to the latest reports. That can only be good news to Sterling- more 1st time games and develop to become LFC’s massive player.
WESTYBENTHAM
Aug 29, 2012 at 6:27 pm
TAKE CARE OFF OUR YOUNG STERLING HE IS PLEASURE TO WATCH. WELL DONE LFC TEAM AND STAFF SHOULD HAVE BEAT MC WE KNOW AND THEY KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lfc4lifer
Aug 29, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Which manager paid £600k?
Strange how you fail to mention the person who bought him in….
Rafa Benitez is the name!!!
Legend!
Rob
Aug 29, 2012 at 11:11 pm
Hes managerial genius we was rob of
Rob
Aug 29, 2012 at 11:13 pm
Robbed
oboke
Aug 29, 2012 at 6:39 pm
need to give chances to oussama too.
woodsy
Aug 29, 2012 at 8:57 pm
oussama assaidi will get plenty of games,, they both will,, imagine when the 2 start the same game :)))) YNWA JFT96
linc
Aug 29, 2012 at 10:57 pm
It only shows how poor our so call legend KK is when you have player like sterling and jonjo and wasted 40mil on downing and Henderson.
Anne
Aug 30, 2012 at 10:21 am
Stirling was one of the players brought in under Rafa. I think the majority of the fans know what a loss Rafa going was for the club. After much slating of Rafa we became feeder club for Real and Barca no less. That says it all…… Wishing our new gaffer all the luck cause he gives his heart for the club already. YNWA
Fabulous
Aug 30, 2012 at 11:48 am
Sterling join lfc during kenny daglish regon nt rafal benitez
Rafa is Cool
Aug 30, 2012 at 12:01 pm
He was brought in Feb 2010, during Rafa’s time. Check your facts.
Aroun zaki
Aug 30, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Sterling is more tarlented than any winger at lfc so far en walcot too
Hussein
Aug 30, 2012 at 5:35 pm
who is that trying to mention the king’s name in a bad light? you should know that he is untouchable!