http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/154450-raheem-labelled-reds-man-of-steel Few players have ever belied their seemingly diminutive physical stature with the same consistency as Raheem Sterling, who shows such levels of strength that his manager has joked the winger is 'made of steel'. While searing pace, ability to dribble at speed and interplay with fellow Liverpool forwards are clearly a selection of the No.31's greatest assets, the 19-year-old also possesses power in abundance. Barely a game passes by in which Sterling does not outmuscle an opponent, combining upper body strength with a low centre of gravity to bamboozle his marker and spring into space behind the backline. It's an attribute which has not gone unnoticed by Brendan Rodgers and, following another impeccable display during the derby triumph over Everton, the boss took time to share his delight with the England international's progress. "Young Raheem has barely had a mention but I thought he was absolutely outstanding," the Northern Irishman commented in reference to Tuesday night. "This kid has only just turned 19 years of age and was up against arguably the best left-back in the country at the moment. please log in to view this image "I'm sure if you were to ask Leighton Baines he would say he had a really, really difficult night. Raheem was so dangerous with his pace. "He's one of the strongest players I've ever known - that's what people find remarkable. I don't think he's got bones in his body, it's like he's made of steel. He has an incredible physique for a young guy. "He also has toughness in his brain. Mentally, he's very strong. He is improving his technique and he needs to improve his goal return but that will come. "He is still so young but his performance level at the minute is at such a high level. He's happy, he's confident and he's a joy to work with." Since being reinstated to Rodgers' starting line-up for the journey to Hull City on December 1, Sterling has evoked memories of the impressive performances he contributed when initially bursting onto the first-team scene. His importance can perhaps be reflected by the special plans devised by the boss in the days leading up to Everton's visit to glean the maximum productivity from the young forward. The 41-year-old explained: "That side of the field against Everton was one of the key areas tactically for us. "One of the jobs for Raheem and Jon Flanagan was to block up that space. They did that really well and obviously were a great threat going forward too. "That has been one of the things which has really impressed me about Raheem. Something I found out early on when I came in here was his ability to take things on board, like when to press. "My preparation for the derby started leading into the Bournemouth game. My plan was to play Raheem there so I wanted to rest him for Bournemouth because he was going to have a big job against Everton. "Raheem has got a lot of personality for a youngster. You don't make your debut at 17 for a club like Liverpool if you are shy and withdrawn. Things have happened very quickly for him in his career and I think there's been an adjustment to that. "He will still have his off days and difficult moments but he's a wonderful kid. I've been really impressed with how quickly he has taken on the tactical element of the game and he has regained a lot of his focus over the last number of months".
P r o p a g a n d a It's articles like this that threaten to ruin the development of players. He's shown massively improved form recently and does look stronger on the ball but there's no room for complacency, he needs to keep working on all aspects of his game.
Nice to know but I wish we wouldn't come out with these "sound" bites! Tell the lad in private that he's doing a good job whilst at the same time saying he could be doing this and that better, if he keeps his feet on the ground, continues to learn and keeps his dick in his pants, he'll be one hell of a player!
Its credit where credits due really. I'm sure BR etc. will be keeping an eye on him because,lets face it,the lads 19 years old and is becoming an increasingly valuable asset to the club.He went through a dicey spell in the second half of last season but seems to be stronger for the experience.One or two issues that can be improved (crossing accuracy,more clinical in front of goal) but he is developing rapidly into a player that could have a massive future with us.
If there's one thing we can all agree on it is that BR is absolutely fantastic at managing young players. I'm sure these soundbites for the website are all not just entirely propaganda pieces, and so I don't share the same cynicism as some posters. What I will say though is that I do agree somewhat with Brendan on this one. Sterling is fantastic at using his body effectively and pushing off players twice his size. Pace and power are two key ingredients for a great winger and he has both in abundance.
Sterling playing great this season and much more consistent than last season. Glad to see BR giving praise where it is due. Would still like to see Ibe being given more games, even if it's just as substitute at the close of games.
Sterling has really come on this season. I think he's been given a new head, as his decision making seems so different/better than before. I guess Suarez screaming down your throat every time you make the wrong offensive decision has helped!!
If Sterling could finish - and my brother-in-law who goes to all the reserve games reckons he's a sublime finisher - then he's a £30/40m player, no doubts. I've said many times how physically he has come on, both with his fitness and tackling strength. He NEVER ducks a challenge, but I suspect he will be sent off one day! I noticed how he harasses and harries defenders when we haven't got the ball the day we beat Spurs at WHL this season. In a tremendous performance he was the standout player, imho. Yes, he needs to keep his feet on the ground, and he needs to keep a lid on his chaotic private life (get him married off to a nice girl is what they'd have done in olden days) but he also needs to know how far he's come, the level he's operating at, and the expectations that he has the talent and desire to do even more.
No praise is just as bad as too much praise. BR has had a go at him when he's needed to and imo correctly given him praise after the derby.
