I'll get straight to my point. Sterling does not deserve to be anywhere near our first team. I don't think I have ever seem a player who is so raw and unpolished so regularly pull on our shirt? It's not his fault but he is way out if his depth, lightweight with no end product. We need to look after him as he has potential but for now he should be on the bench at best. Go.
I think he needs a rest, to go back and learn from the last 6 months. He's only just turned 18, I don't know of anyone his age who regularly started for a premier league club. However, who do we put on thats better than him? Downing?
Needs a little rest maybe, he is very hot and cold in his performances. I would always pick him over Downing though.
maybe he has got it in his head that he is an automatic choice these days and getting complacent. drop him for 1-2 games and maybe he will have a dif attitude, or if it is fitness then he improves as had a rest.
I agree with these comments. Maybe Borini returning, Downing supposedly finding form and the arrival of Sturridge, possibly Coutinho too will mean Sterling doesn't play so much...
Agree with this, that was no game for sterling. He will be rotated with borini now IMO and that will get the best out of both of them
Sterling is a serious talent but I think he may well be a bit tired and complacent. A run on the bench will do him some good. Personally, looking at our options in his spot (Downing, Assaidi, Suso, Enrique, Borini) he has been the most consistent performer. But I think he has reached a point where he has temporarily dipped. This is aged related.
The one thing I'd really like him to work on is his Shooting. Playing as part of a front three means that he will be getting into positions to shoot and needs to start chipping in with a few goals. But his shooting is poor, no real power or composure. Granted these are things that should come with age, but even at 18 you'd think he'd have more power to hit the thing. Overall, extremely talented. If we'd hadn't been so short of forwards at the start of the year I think we'd had seen him more for the bench rather than starting. Which might be the best place for the rest of the season, coming on for 20-30 mins.
Don't agree with the OP that he shouldn't be anywhere near the first team. Lets not forget the good games he has had for us and its credit to him that he's forced his way into the first team. He does however need a rest. I think we're blaming the wrong players though.
He is very impressive in areas other than running at defenders which is a sign of a real quality player in the making, he tracks back, isn't afraid to throw a tackle in on someone twice his size and is accurate with his passing. Only just 18 and will be played less now we have brought plays in and others are returning. When is Enrique back???
Been saying for ages the "system" doesn't suit him especially in games like yesterdays. What has he got that's his main asset? A decent touch and a fair bit of pace but his dribbling's not great. The best way to utilise him (or Suarez or Sturridge) is to get the ball into them quickly. Playing it around the back and midfield for 5 minutes before getting over the half way line will NEVER suit any of those mentioned. Gerrard came on yesterday and changed the way we were playing by doing an incredibly simple thing...he played it forward quickly. No ****ing about (we were 3-1 down after all) just play quickly into the forwards feet and let them pull the defenders around, midfielders and wingers then exploit the space. Basic stuff. What use are 3 forwards when 70% of your play is spent going sideways? If you want to play that way then just pack the midfield and go for a 1-0. Play with 3, even 4 forwards then you absolutely have to centre your tactics around getting it in and around them. I like the idea of going for games and playing with a few attackers but it's not as simple as just throwing them in the team and you'll play "attractive, attacking" football.
Been poor since he signed new contract....like getting the manager of the month award. Be disappointed if he was just putting in performances to get more money and now not so bothered. Actually don't think it's the case ,just been played too much unlike Assaidi who I think is probably better suited to the prem but doesn't seem to be in favour. If courthino arrives can see sterling just playing bit parts for rest of season. Good prospect though.
I think he's been poor for a little while. Needs to work on his output i.e. crossing, shoooting and become more productive. His decision making is extremely raw but expected however I'm expecting that to improve over the coming years. What does disappoint me is how he doesn't run at defenders as often as he used to. When he first broke into the team, he played without fear and was exciting to watch. It's almost as if he's scared or maybe even told not to do it anymore.
I'd give him a rest. To be honest I think suso is a much better player, but then again BR does have his favourites
