Sunday, September 2, 2012

Raheem Sterling, Merseyside wonderkid


At the tender age of just 17, Jamaican-born English winger has broken into Liverpool squad and has shown no signs of immaturity. Sterling's biggest qualities are his pace and technique. He's great with the ball and off the ball as well and despite his age, lacks no strength when taking on defenders.

During the summer, tricky offensive winger was linked with a move to Tottenham, with London side offering £7.5M for him, but the offer was rejected by Liverpool.

Sterling has made his debut for Liverpool senior team in UEFA Europe League qualifier against Gomel, where Sterling replaced Joe Cole, match they managed to win 1:0. Sterling impressed instantly because, despite his age, he looked very comfortable and mature on the ball. He scored his first goal against Bayer Leverkusen, making a great run past Daniel Swaab and finishing with a lovely inside foot shot.

Sterling was handed league debut against Manchester City, and was arguably Liverpool's biggest threat, causing loads of trouble to their defence, particularly Kolo Toure, who found it difficult to contain the teenager.

Today, against Arsenal, youngster was given a green light ahead of Stewart Downing, who was close to Anfield exit during the summer, only 12 months after arriving from Aston Villa for a jaw dropping fee of £20M. Liverpool lost the match 2:0, but whenever they attacked, Sterling was involved. Easily their biggest threat yet again, he came close to scoring after a brilliant turn and a shot from a difficult angle that went wide after hitting the post. Definite improvement over Downing, Sterling has, as it seems, already pushed Downing out of the starting 11 and looks to stay that way.

He is yet to make a debut for the senior England side, but has made 13 appearances for U17 England and scored 3 goals.

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