After making an immediate impact in his first full season with Liverpool, Sterling has certainly faded out in the last couple of months and people have started to think he was overrated by the English media. However, Liverpool manager looks at the situation differently and possibly in the right way. Raheem Sterling was only 17 when he made his league debut and went on to start 16 consecutive league matches from the start of the season. He also made his full International debut for England back in November.
For an youngster to have such an impact on the most difficult of stages and to continue at the same level is more than an impossible task. Fatigue has certainly played it’s part and it is high time he gets the much deserved rest. Sterling appeared for Liverpool’s reserve match against Manchester United last night and Rodgers beleives that the youngster has to develop outside the limelight
Talking about the Sterling situation, Rodgers said:
“I was talking to him [Sterling] the other day about this, and if he didn’t kick another ball this season he’s had a good season, It’s just a very physically demanding league and what you’re seeing now is more tiredness of the legs when before he could go up to people and take them on. That zip has gone and that’s down to fatigue. It was to be expected.
“This is a kid we’re talking about so we have to take a wee step back. What he’s done since he stepped on to the pitch against Leverkusen in a friendly to Manchester City, as a 17-year-old, I dare you to look around Europe and tell me a 17-year-old who has made an impact in one of the big leagues. There aren’t many.
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere had a similar debut season as well, but after playing more than 40 competitive in the very first season at Emirates, he was worn out and was out of the game for almost an year due to stress fracture. And Rodgers is very particular that Sterling shouldn’t face such a situation and wants him to be nurtured properly. He is the only outfield player to have started more games than Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard for Liverpool this season.
January signings Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho along with an improved Stewart Downing and fatigue has forced Sterling down the pecking order.
Rodgers added: “It is so mentally and physically draining this league, it hurts experienced professionals and this boy has just stepped up from the academy and played football and earned a contract off that. We have to nurture that and at times he’s got to have that mentality to keep learning. He will have experienced that before but not in the limelight nationally that it is now. He’s made such an impact that everyone is looking at him now of course. But the job is to nurture him.”
“He’s started his career at first team level way before many get the opportunity. He’s still got lots of improvement to make in his game.
“Over the years we will look at his plan and development and act accordingly.”
To get a clear idea of what he has done so far, look at his stats from various playing positions:
