If you don’t have expectations on anyone, you are never disappointed. When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are, footballers are the same breed as well. Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed. If that’s what England’s young International and Liverpool winger, Raheem Sterling must be thinking, he would surely saying over and over in his mind, “I find my life is a lot easier the lower I keep my expectations”
Much was expected from the 18 year old at Anfield, but unbelievably one of the brightest stars from the Melwood Training facility at Merseyside, has flattered to deceive. According to ESPN however, Reds Boss Brendan Rodgers has acknowledged that Sterling’s England debut may have come too soon but insists that the young Englishman does have a future in a Liverpool shirt.
Should Liverpool sell Raheem Sterling?Also according to Express, Rodgers maintained that with what he showed over the first six months of last season that he has a future in the Premier League and at Liverpool. “It was going to be very difficult to maintain the level that he set himself, but he is only 18 years of age and as much as we want to play young players and give them the opportunity, there is a nurturing phase as well. We have to be careful and avoid what has probably happened too often over the years in football and discard young players too early. I don’t need them ready at 17. If they are, great, but certainly at 20 or 21, we would love them to be ready.”
This time last year, the prodigious talent in Sterling showed the whole of the Premier League what he was capable of, display mesmerizing turns, nimble footwork and dazzling dashes in attack up front. One year down the line, however, Sterling looks the shadow of his former self, spending much of his time on the sidelines, looking set to be sent on loan come this January Transfer Window. Much like on the pitch, in training back doors, his personal life too has held him back to breakthrough in the starting eleven. So what’s the only way to breakthrough in the starting eleven: Simply working hard on his training and grabbing his chance whenever given an opportunity!
From the team perspective as well, Rodgers changing to a 3-5-2 formation, hasn’t helped Sterling’s cause as well. With three central defenders along with two wing backs, there is more competition for places now amongst the Reds’ squad, a hint of the significant improvement Liverpool have undergone and made in the last few months.
With the right support from Brendan Rodgers – and the likes of Roy Hodgson in the International stage, Sterling can surely flourish long-term. Though, to get over his immediate shortfalls, it will be up to the 18-year-old to pick himself up. It will have to come from within. What looks like the imminent idea for the 18 year old is a loan deal to a lesser club, where he can hone and sharpen his skills and come back a fitter, sharper and determined young man, who will create ripples all over the Football Fraternity.
Note: We apologize for putting a wrong title earlier. Sterling have no assists this season. He scored one goal in a cup game. (Stats: ESPN)