There was a thread about a month or two about our Sterling, a thread in which many claimed Ibe was the better prospect and acknowledged Sterling had to really step up and put in a run of performances. When Sterling first got in to the team there was a real sense of excitement around him, the little 10 minute cameos he got given he looked ready enough to maybe start. And then at the beginning of last season he was given his chance against City and took it with both hands.. Somewhere along the line he lost his form, his willingness to run at a defender and perhaps was being singled out by defenders. As a result it looked like his confidence took a knock, and that coupled with off field problems it looked like he'd never reach his full potential with us. Again, this season he has been given chances, many of which he hadn't impressed. But, a surprising start against Norwich has turned out to be the catalyst to reigniting this lads career. Now all of a sudden he has a hunger in his game, he's turning defenders inside out, he's keeping the ball under pressure and more importantly he's working hard for the team. Has he made it yet? Of course not. But what we're seeing is in my opinion Rodger's biggest strength - his man management skills; or in this case, with the youngsters. Henderson, Sterling, Flanagan to name a few, players who were never fully written of but all looked like they'd never reach the heights many thought they could, or would. But Rodger's has pointed all three in the right direction, and all though we can't fully judge them yet, I have faith all three will be important players for us in the future. Sterling could well end up reaching the world cup this season, but, his performances for us have been first class and has created a real problem for Rodgers now with the return of Sturridge.. Coutinho, Sterling, Suarez, Henderson.. Who do you drop? Well done Raheem
Agreed, Sterling as been on a great run of form of late, long may that continue... With regards to who do you drop to accommodate Sturridge, none of the above! Drop Lucas (although I do like the guy, would be harsh on him..), play Hendo along side Gerrard.. let them hold/supply the front four and let them create havoc.
What has impressed me about Sterling recently has been his improved strength, he is now getting his body between the man and the ball, holding it up, and importantly (bar España gate yesterday) not going over. His driving runs have also improved as he hast started to take players on where previously he'd fall over or abort, so there is an outlet for his undeniable speed. He still needs to work on the end product though.
good effort for sure, i'd be resting coutinho now sturridge is back rather than drop the kid. coutinho needs a rest.
No way I'd drop Coutinho now Sturridge is back. They link up so well it could well be the catalyst for PC to start flying again
Easy...Suarez! I still think Ibe is the better prospect because he has more to his game. However, at this moment in time, Sterling is clearly ahead and there remains questions about whether Ibe can mark the step up. That said, if Sterling makes full use of the attributes he has then he can go far. Players such as Beckham, Owen and even Carragher had limited abilities but they used them effectively.
dropping is different from resting mind. Maybe having sturridge up there will help coutinho... maybe not. 2 weeks rest might do the world of good.
He deserves a lot of praise. He was struggling and a loan move felt the best option for both parties. But he has managed to turn it around and is now playing just like he was when he first broke into the team. A player with confidence, strength and no fear. He's become a pivotal part of our attack, especially during the absence of D Sturridge. Hope the lad keeps improving
Sterling has everything except end product. He makes good runs... he works hard... he gets into position... can be a tricky little bugger... but when it comes to the shot or the final pass he fumbles. He needs lots and lots of practice and Rodgers needs to work on this part of his game... then... and only then... when Raheem gets better first touch and final touch can he live up to his huge potential.
Don't drop any. We need to fit Suarez, sterling, sturridge and Coutinho into the side. Coutinho works best from the middle especially threading balls through for sturridge. Sterling is causing teams problem and stretching them.
I wasn't one who overreacted when Sterling's form dipped, glad to see him back and playing Well again. the kid is after all.... still a kid.
Sterling was playing **** six weeks ago. That's very obvious. He's also a kid and finding consistency at that age is rare. He'll continue like this for another few years, having spells of great games (like now) and games of frustration. Point was made above that Rodgers' man management, especially with the younger ones, seems to be a real strength. Flanno is another who's progressed rapidly and got into some good form until the injury. I still rate Ibe as the better prospect as I see more overall strings to his bow, but that doesn't mean Sterling hasn't got a good chance of being a key player for us. In a few years we could be starting both as first team, key players. Lots of work still to do - particularly on his final ball - but he's improving again and impressing. Good on him. Got last season's social crap behind him and looked up.
