Allen is playing that role out of necessity at the moment. As we've got a lot of passing CM's (Gerrard, Sahin, Allen) but none that can hold and play that deeper role atm. When Lucas is back there will be a massive improvement in Allen and I wouldn't be surprised to see him bag a couple of goals and a couple of assists. Obviously nothing revolutionary but we'll definitely see an improvement in Allen once he has someone covering for him rather than him having to do the defending, which has restricted him massively so far.
I was one of those I'm afraid who didn't rate him in his first season at Goodison, so I know exactly what you mean. I agree totally with the rest of that. haha, I was worried that they'd want to take him ahead of the vastly overated Rodwell at the time mate, hence my interest.
Well you got a lot more from City than Fergie would have offered this summer so you did ok there. Can't believe they didn't go for Fellaini instead of Rodwell but it sounds like he'll be off sooner rather than later (not winding you up there but even Moyes didn't sound too confident about keeping him past the summer). Anyway back on topic...I don't think Sterlings call up has come too soon because he's undoubtedly talented. Will it affect his future? Possibly but it will be a test for BR firstly whether he can keep his feet on the ground and secondly if he keeps improving can he keep him at the club. He's far from the perfect player, he's as raw as they come but why shouldn't England and Woy try and look at the next generation in a friendly (not that I give a **** other than all the Reds returning fit). He'd be slagged to high heaven if he just stuck with the same old all the time. Glad Ossies got a call I have to say despite him being a blueshite. Every fan loves those kind of players in their team.
Yeah we got lucky as Marwood was under pressure to deliver signings at City & Rodwell had been seen as a 'hot prospect' for a couple of years. Those of us who'd watched him every week, mostly knew that he'd not developed as a CM player, he was sadly lacking in postional awareness & despite being a great athlete & having a good touch, didn't appear to have a 'football brain' - plus he was injury prone. He mugged them right off at £15M. I gave my view on Sterlings call up on the previous page, & I've got my misgivings about it. However, I suppose it just depends on the lad & how he copes with the massive attention on him. Ossie's a great pro & one of the most underated players by his own fanbase! He's been a boo boys target for years, by those who just don't understand the game imo. If he'd have been 6 inches taller & blessed with a tad more pace, he'd have made it at the highest level. Nice fella to boot, so I'm made up for the lad.
Never slagged him off, could see the effort he was putting in and I could see a player trying to burst from within him. Same with Henderson now but it depends on the individuals inner strength and whether they're up for the fight
Always good to see a player improve his game each year. It'll be interesting to see if Sterling can stay as level headed. Young players can go either way but he certainly isn't lacking in hard work and enthusiasm at the moment.
I hope the Ingurland fans don't destroy Sterling in the same way they did the last Jamaican born, Watford raised English international winger.
In fairness it's difficult for any young footballer to keep a 'level head' these days with the obscene amounts of cash that they command at such a tender age. He'll no doubt get his (agent driven) £50K per week deal shortly - crazy for an 18 yr old kid, but it's where the game is at (sadly). As odd as it might sound him being so small might work in his favour - as he'll have been used to having to work harder than the other 'athletes' he's been up against during his schoolboy development, so he'll probably carry that work ethic into his senior days.
I don't think he'll get more caps though. Just a one cap wonder. His age is against him at this point, and lack of international experience. Plus he'll be expected to play exceptionally well tonight to even be in with a shout, which would be hard for anyone let alone someone with no international experience. Its harsh but its the nature of international football, you're expected to do unreasonably well if you haven't got a big media profile, otherwise you'll just be written off and thrown onto the scrapheap.
My worry is that he goes down the path of all before him, Walcott mainly. So much so early and he is a good player but never became that world beater he was supposed to be. Ox could fall in that bracket as well. For me at the moment, Sterling is very similar to Aaron Lennon. I think he needs to add a lot more to his game but he is progressing so as long he keeps that desire to get better, work on his touch and decision making he won't just be a speed merchant.
You could well be right, but he's a determined fella is Ossie & he'll be eager to show his worth tonight. I hope it goes well for him, as he deserves his chance, even though it's come so late in his career, he'll be desperate to stay in contention for a place.
It took Gerrard two seasons to score his first goal. Raheem is going very quickly. A call up could be another stepping stone for him. I expect him to perform at least reasonably. Echo the caution of other posters though. Liverpool and England need to manage him very careful. PS - glad to see Osman in the squad. Good player, always liked him - under-rated.
I think we'd be mad to offer a kid with a handful of appearances that sort of money but other fans will say just keep him at any cost. Part of me thinks if he has a stinker for England it might be better for Liverpool (keep his feet on the ground, keep him hungry to improve etc) but then i know when I'm watching him I'll be wanting him to have a blinder
Nice to see Kacaniklic playing for Sweden. Guy seems to have done well for himself since leaving us - glad we got Konchesky in return for him Looks like Sterling is going to get a full game - sort of pleased for him, but which he had come off at half time to give him a rest for the weekend. Ryan shawcross - on for 30 seconds, loses his marker who scores. Welcome to International football Ryan
Zlatan 3 - 2 England But tbh, what the hell has happened to Hart this season, he started decently but recently he's been extremely poor.
