Anyone else agree that he was absolutely atrocious today when he came on? Fannied out of tackles, didn't run at people, got pushed off the ball, shocking display. Aspas wasn't having a great game, but he should have stayed on with Sterling playing like he did.
I said at the time to my mates that I'd rather Ibe came on, much stronger on the ball. Sterling has taken some massive backwards steps imo, not sure what's going on with him the last few months. Can't criticise him too much since we won and he was part of it, but it wasn't a great cameo from him - one shot aside.
Yeah, he's a lightweight. He showed some ambition trying to get forward but as usual was easily bossed around by the Utd players around him. Was v. disappointed when he came on for Aspas was it?
Can't believe he's in the England squad. He's not been in great form and should be no where near the full team. Get him in the Under 21's where he can actually play 90 minutes and feel the benefit.
Wasn't as bad as Aspas.. My God he had a stinker today, the ball was bouncing off him, I can't remember a completed pass let alone something half positive
Yeah, just got to accept that. Henderson has been on fine form in the start of the season and we are top of the league.
I thought Sterling did well he got himself between the opposition and the ball and got us a few fouls that helped get us through the game. He seemed to realise that this wasnt a game to try and show what he can do but to do what was needed. Solid performance imo.
Aspas was probably the worst player on the pitch today, wanted him out at HT. Can't remember him do any thing significant; horrible first touch, poor passing, lost possession and was shoved off the ball numerous times and almost gave away a penalty. I mentioned in the match thread aswell, Is he good enough to be a starter, Can we rely on him for an entire season, he was atrocious against Villa aswell. Maybe it's the new position he seems to struggle to get to grips. I think he's best used as LW, was used mostly in that position up until the Villa game.
I dont want any of our players playing for england so glad hendo isnt in the squad ( yes my opinion of him is warming).
On MOTD2 Gus Poyet reminded everyone ( in a different context) that footballers are people too. They don't just exist when they're on the pitch like characters in a film. Sterling's other life seems to be a mess from what we read so it wouldn't surprise me if that's affecting his game. He needs to sort himself out or it could be yet another case of too much too young.
It's obviously not the same level but I know personal life can effect you on the pitch. I have had personal experiences that have made me play better (guilt works great for determination and aggression) and a lot worse (finding out the mrs was up the duff again). The professional player get paid a hell of a lot of money and should be able to work on these problems but at the end of the day, they are still human beings
Perhaps Sterling's personal problems are hindering his development and performance at the moment. But we must give the same consideration to Iago Aspas. OK so he didn't have such a good game. He's not used to playing English style football or Liverpool's way. He was playing against on the best defenders in Europe and he stuck to his task - he didn't hide even though things were not going his way. So for me well played Aspas.
He's only a kid with far too much fame and money. Some people handle these things pretty well, others turn weird because of it. We'll have to wait and see which category he falls into. No doubt the club is doing its best to help him sort himself out but it's still down to him in the end. He should keep away from the Moss for a start (always good advice that). Gelding might help as well.
I think the best option for us would be to loan him out for regular football but we're simply not in a position to do it at the moment. Obviously, that wouldn't help with his personal life but he needs to want to help his self before others can help him
hmm if we bring in Moses which looks likely.... Moses, Aspas, Sterling, ibe, think there is enough there and JE can play up in that position as well. I think Borini is on loan now but if Suarez stays then there is lots of options and can always recall in January if needed.
I'm sure the club has councilors for this type of ****. Sterling shouldn't play on the first team till he's got his head sorted Aspas isn't good enough to be starting and hopefully he will be dropped once Dracula returns
