Bought from QPR back in February 2010, Raheem Shaquille Sterling has had an eventful career as a Liverpool player.
He joined the Reds during a time that saw the club’s academy under the spotlight. Rafa’ had revolutionised the youth set-up and the benefits were starting to bear fruit.
We all know that, on the whole at least, Benitez was a man with an impeccable eye for talent. Suso being another example of quality brought into the Kirkby based operation. Raheem fitted that bill.
He made his senior debut, albeit not an official outing, against Borussia Mochengladbach during the pre-season of 2010. The first glimpse of the raw talent he possessed.
His official debut came in 2012, under the second reign of Dalglish – away at Wigan Athletic in 2012. Throughout his time back at the club, the youth players provided a staple part of Kenny’s teams. The likes of Flanagan, Robinson and Spearing played in games more often than perhaps both himself and the fans would have been comfortable with. Unsurprising then, that it was “The King” to allow Sterling to get his first taste of official pitch time.
Raheem came on and looked at home, probably the biggest compliment that can be paid to him. It was obvious then that he had “it”. At 17 years of age, Liverpool fans had reason to believe the young man from London could, certainly in the long-term, make an impact on Merseyside.
Of course Kenny was replaced by Rodgers. And that saw Sterling rise to moderate fame after an episode of ‘Being:Liverpool’ and the “steady” that followed. Along with other limelights since that he’ll undoubtedly be less than proud of; namely domestic violence. Rodgers openly practiced and preached the mantra of ‘if you’re good enough, you’re old enough’ and Raheem was given his chance – albeit partly due to a dreadful Summer’s transfer dealings, and injuries. Not that that deterred Rodgers from having full faith in the teenager.
After scoring a brilliant solo goal against Bayer Leverkusen in Rodgers’ first ever collection of pre-season friendlies, Raheem was given his first ever Premier League start against Manchester City in August 2012. And how impressive he was too, very impressive. So much so, in fact, that Brendan continued to keep the faith and start him.
On top of this continued run, Sterling also made his England senior debut in November 2012. Hodgson, famous of course for being the man to sink rather than steady the ship, decided to tie Sterling down to English selection and yet again, he impressed against Sweden. To cap off what was an incredible year, he signed a new long-term contract in December 2012, shortly after turning 18.
The rest of that season saw Sterling ‘blow out’, as it were. The purchases of Sturridge and Coutinho had hampered his starting chances and he petered off into slight obscurity. Fair to say some fans were writing him off. An injury towards the end of the 12/13 campaign put an end to his season.
A busy Summer of purchasing saw Raheem more than likely suspecting his game time would again be limited, as it was at the back end of the previous term. After the high profile ‘bite-gate’ had suspended Suarez, however, Sterling was again asked to play first team football. He looked revitalised, in all honesty. Perhaps the break had done him good. Suarez’s return was followed soon after by the departure of Sturridge due to injury. Raheem maintained his place.
Since that point, Sterling hasn’t looked back. He’s improved all season, and still is getting better. His pace has frightened defences throughout, and he’s chipped in with a few goals to boot. He’s almost nailed down a starting spot now, despite both Suarez and Sturridge being available for selection. It’s not just his attacking qualities that have impressed me either. His work rate helping out his full-backs is a real asset to the team.
The collapse of a deal for Ukrainian Yehven Konoplyanka has of course received great criticism, but I think it may well be a blessing in disguise. We all get to watch a young, talented winger terrorise teams for the rest of the season. And the positives don’t end there, either. We’ve seen what regular playing time has done for Raheem this season, and assuming a ‘back nine’ burnout isn’t around the corner again, he’ll almost certainly continue to get better.
So whilst most feel inclined to sip on acid, debating whether or not old Hot Ayre should be binned off for his January exploits – or rather lack of them – I’ll secretly be somewhat pleased he ballsed it up. We’ve got a player here!
