Liverpool FC have, arguably, the best teenage footballer in the world on their hands - Raheem Sterling has the world at his quick and tricky feet.
In the not too distance past there were significant questions being raised over the temperament of one of LFC's biggest talents (no, not that one). The mercurial youngster that everyone had high hopes for, Raheem Sterling, seemed to be drifting away from the training pitch, moving more and more into the tabloids after court appearances & documented heavy nights out.
Times have since changes and under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, Raheem Sterling is beginning to fulfil the much billed potential that he clearly posses; the manager himself put it best after the victory over Borussia Dortmund on Sunday - Raheem Sterling can become anything he wants to be.
The dopey 3-1 loss to Hull City that came in December last term that all Reds will begrudgingly recall was, bizarrely, something of a water shed for the teenager; things changed from this point and they changed in a big way. Sterling began to become increasingly more consistent and subsequently a pivotal cog in the LFC offensive machine. Sterling was one of group of Liverpool players who stepped things up during the new ground of a title challenge, demonstrating maturity and footballing ability above that of simply a 'raw' talent; no one will forget the cool finish vs. City in what was hoped to be the season defining game any time soon.
2013/14 saw lots of development and some changes to Raheem Sterling's game. As Liverpool switched from predominantly using a four-three-three set up to a diamond in order to accommodate the striking duo of Sturridge and Suarez, Sterling had to adapt and adapt he did! Raheem Sterling began to function at the tip of the diamond, using his pace and power to drive through the middle of defences as well as his pressing and physical strength to drop deeper and support the midfields pressing. Adding this level of versatility saw Sterling's end product increases as the young attacker totalled up 10 goals for the season - an impressive feat for a player who only really became a mainstay in the side from December onwards. The switch to the tip of the diamond had, however, not taken anything away from Sterling's ability to dominate in other areas of the pitch. During preseason for the upcoming campaign Sterling has featured wide once again, as a second striker pairing Sturridge and in an attack midfield pairing with Coutinho behind the main striker - flexibility is key and Sterling is moulding himself into a player who can play all across the front line; this is invaluable in a squad tackling four competitions a season.
Sterling's majestic form saw him called up to the England World Cup squad and amongst the general disappointment of the campaign for England, Sterling was one of the few bright lights. A stunning performance against Italy saw the young Englishman run Andrea Pirlo ragged, with the Italian playmaker later made a note of mentioning the press; Sterling is once again close to announcing himself fully at the next level. The fearless nature of the player makes him ideally suited to taking on European heavyweights in next years Champions League!
Liverpool fans can expect more deadly runs, more aggressive taken ons and hopefully an increase in end product from Sterling - the player destined to become a great should his progress continue and the rate the world of football is currently seeing.
Raheem Sterling is a wonderful talent, developing rapidly. He really can 'become anything he wants' - hopefully he wants to be a Liverpool legend.
