Jack Lusby looks at the progress of Raheem Sterling’s career at Liverpool, urging fans and media to remember that he is only 19-year-sold.
Since his debut in the league against Wigan in 2012, Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling has endured a rapid, and often rocky, rise to becoming a regular feature in the club’s first team squad.
His early promise let to widespread appeals to tie the winger down to a long-term contract, however when this was accomplished his form subsequently dropped hugely.
This drop in form understandably led to Sterling, having to settle for a place on the bench at best.
It was mooted that a loan move was forthcoming, however injury to Daniel Sturridge seems to have put paid to that.
With the mercurial striker facing over 6 weeks out Rodgers has been forced to shuffle his pack, a position which has benefited Sterling hugely.
A starting role in the following three games – the loss at Hull, and the wins against Norwich and West Ham at Anfield – has sparked a re-emergence of the Sterling of old, with his link-up player with Luis Suarez and his willingness to run at defenders one of the most encouraging prospects from these games.
However, a quick search of his name on Twitter following the convincing 4-1 win against West Ham on Saturday unearths a deluge of criticism. Whilst the common line was marginally positive, a focus on missed chances stands out.
Admittedly, finishing is an aspect of Sterling’s game to be worked on, but the heavy pressure to succeed and consistently provide the finished product is too much to ask of a young midfielder who is barely 19 years old.
This is cause for an appraisal in the role of the media and those most critical of Liverpool supporters in the development of a young talent.
Perhaps the most damaging element in a young player’s development is drawing comparisons to other players. With Sterling, these are often made with another academy graduate: Jordon Ibe.
At exactly one year younger than Sterling, Ibe is enjoying a similar career trajectory to the Jamaican-born winger.
Making his Premier League debut on the final day of the 2012/13 season against QPR, Ibe impressed hugely with his energetic display, even providing the assist for Phillipe Coutinho’s winner.
This has led to widespread hyperbole, with the exclusion of Ibe from the match-day squads of this season often bemoaned.
Comparisons made between Ibe and Sterling are seemingly largely in the favour of Ibe, who is considered a more promising talent not least due to his advanced physical development.
However, it has to be noted that Raheem Sterling at 19 has already made over 50 appearances for the Liverpool first team, and his contribution to the team is massively more important at this time.
This is a factor that can be considered when making a comparison which often sees Sterling in a more favourable light.
At the away loss to Hull, Sterling was given a starting role with Victor Moses on the other flank. Both were criticised following a flaccid display, however it is telling that Sterling has retained his starting role at the expense of the Nigerian.
Moses’ performances throughout the season so far have been lethargic and lacking conviction and, seemingly, motivation: all qualities that could not be applied to Sterling.
The winger’s improved performances and confidence in the games against Norwich and West Ham are proof of the benefits of this positive comparison.
Examples at other Premier League clubs are proof that the right approach from both the media and supporters can positively affect a young player’s development.
One prime example is Manchester United’s Adnan Januzaj. Despite his growing importance to a midfield lacking miserably in creativity and energy, and increasing focus in the media, the teenager seems to remain playing without the pressure with which has often been so apparent on the shoulders of Sterling.
The fact that another of United’s precocious talents barely reaches media attention let alone headlines is testament to the benefits of an apprehensive approach.
Jesse Lingard, having been loaned to Birmingham City at the beginning of the season, is flourishing distanced from scrutiny. Despite a season hampered with injury, Lingard has managed an impressive 6 goals from 9 league games: a healthy return for a young talent in any league.
To compare a player of similar qualities, Norwich’s Nathan Redmond – like Sterling, only 19 – is enjoying a quiet development at his new club. Having been snapped up for a relatively low fee from Birmingham over the summer, Redmond has contributed substantially within Chris Hughton’s match-day squads to little fanfare.
All three of these players are examples of young players developing without the pressure of constant scrutiny.
Therefore, considering that Sterling is seemingly flourishing after time away from the media’s attention, it can be concluded that a more sensitive approach to his development is beneficial.
Rodgers was quoted in the Independent recently as saying:
“The spell out of the team doesn’t do him any harm. He’s learning from very good players here and he knows that when he goes into the side, the confidence of the manager and his teammates is there to go and perform.”
Looking at comparisons both damaging and supporting Sterling’s role in the squad and examples of well-looked-after players of a similar ilk at other clubs, this shows that under the careful stewardship of Brendan Rodgers it will be advantageous to remain cautious in evaluating the 19-year-old’s role in Liverpool’s first team squad.
Release a young player from the mind-forged manacles of constant evaluation and negative criticism and he will flourish.
Jack Lusby looks at the progress of Raheem Sterling’s career at Liverpool, urging fans and media to remember that he is only 19-year-sold.
Since his debut in the league against Wigan in 2012, Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling has endured a rapid, and often rocky, rise to becoming a regular feature in the club’s first team squad.
His early promise let to widespread appeals to tie the winger down to a long-term contract, however when this was accomplished his form subsequently dropped hugely.
This drop in form understandably led to Sterling, having to settle for a place on the bench at best.
It was mooted that a loan move was forthcoming, however injury to Daniel Sturridge seems to have put paid to that.
With the mercurial striker facing over 6 weeks out Rodgers has been forced to shuffle his pack, a position which has benefited Sterling hugely.
A starting role in the following three games – the loss at Hull, and the wins against Norwich and West Ham at Anfield – has sparked a re-emergence of the Sterling of old, with his link-up player with Luis Suarez and his willingness to run at defenders one of the most encouraging prospects from these games.
However, a quick search of his name on Twitter following the convincing 4-1 win against West Ham on Saturday unearths a deluge of criticism. Whilst the common line was marginally positive, a focus on missed chances stands out.
Admittedly, finishing is an aspect of Sterling’s game to be worked on, but the heavy pressure to succeed and consistently provide the finished product is too much to ask of a young midfielder who is barely 19 years old.
This is cause for an appraisal in the role of the media and those most critical of Liverpool supporters in the development of a young talent.
Perhaps the most damaging element in a young player’s development is drawing comparisons to other players. With Sterling, these are often made with another academy graduate: Jordon Ibe.
At exactly one year younger than Sterling, Ibe is enjoying a similar career trajectory to the Jamaican-born winger.
Making his Premier League debut on the final day of the 2012/13 season against QPR, Ibe impressed hugely with his energetic display, even providing the assist for Phillipe Coutinho’s winner.
This has led to widespread hyperbole, with the exclusion of Ibe from the match-day squads of this season often bemoaned.
Comparisons made between Ibe and Sterling are seemingly largely in the favour of Ibe, who is considered a more promising talent not least due to his advanced physical development.
However, it has to be noted that Raheem Sterling at 19 has already made over 50 appearances for the Liverpool first team, and his contribution to the team is massively more important at this time.
This is a factor that can be considered when making a comparison which often sees Sterling in a more favourable light.
At the away loss to Hull, Sterling was given a starting role with Victor Moses on the other flank. Both were criticised following a flaccid display, however it is telling that Sterling has retained his starting role at the expense of the Nigerian.
Moses’ performances throughout the season so far have been lethargic and lacking conviction and, seemingly, motivation: all qualities that could not be applied to Sterling.
The winger’s improved performances and confidence in the games against Norwich and West Ham are proof of the benefits of this positive comparison.
Examples at other Premier League clubs are proof that the right approach from both the media and supporters can positively affect a young player’s development.
One prime example is Manchester United’s Adnan Januzaj. Despite his growing importance to a midfield lacking miserably in creativity and energy, and increasing focus in the media, the teenager seems to remain playing without the pressure with which has often been so apparent on the shoulders of Sterling.
The fact that another of United’s precocious talents barely reaches media attention let alone headlines is testament to the benefits of an apprehensive approach.
Jesse Lingard, having been loaned to Birmingham City at the beginning of the season, is flourishing distanced from scrutiny. Despite a season hampered with injury, Lingard has managed an impressive 6 goals from 9 league games: a healthy return for a young talent in any league.
To compare a player of similar qualities, Norwich’s Nathan Redmond – like Sterling, only 19 – is enjoying a quiet development at his new club. Having been snapped up for a relatively low fee from Birmingham over the summer, Redmond has contributed substantially within Chris Hughton’s match-day squads to little fanfare.
All three of these players are examples of young players developing without the pressure of constant scrutiny.
Therefore, considering that Sterling is seemingly flourishing after time away from the media’s attention, it can be concluded that a more sensitive approach to his development is beneficial.
Rodgers was quoted in the Independent recently as saying:
“The spell out of the team doesn’t do him any harm. He’s learning from very good players here and he knows that when he goes into the side, the confidence of the manager and his teammates is there to go and perform.”
Looking at comparisons both damaging and supporting Sterling’s role in the squad and examples of well-looked-after players of a similar ilk at other clubs, this shows that under the careful stewardship of Brendan Rodgers it will be advantageous to remain cautious in evaluating the 19-year-old’s role in Liverpool’s first team squad.
Release a young player from the mind-forged manacles of constant evaluation and negative criticism and he will flourish.
Liverpool are expecting to be without Steven Gerrard for up to six weeks after the midfielder pulled up with a hamstring injury during Saturday’s 4-1 victory over West Ham at Anfield.
The Reds skipper pulled up with the problem in the second half and immediately signaled his intentions to be substituted to the Liverpool bench.
Gerrard underwent tests on Sunday, but Chris Bascombe writes in Monday’s Telegraph that the signs are not good for the England international:
Gerrard had tests at the club’s training ground on Sunday, but the early indications were not promising with the possibility of at least a month on the sidelines.
The news will come as a major blow to Liverpool and Gerrard, who has started all fifteen Premier League games for the club this season.
The Reds go into a tricky run of games to end 2013 – starting with a trip to Tottenham next Sunday where they’ll be looking for a win to close the five point gap on league leaders Arsenal.
Following that, they face Cardiff City at home, before away games at Manchester City and Chelsea to end the year.
Welsh international Joe Allen started alongside Gerrard in midfield against West Ham, and will now most likely partner Brazilian Lucas in Gerrard’s absence.
There is expected to be official confirmation on the extent of Gerrard’s hamstring injury on Monday from the club.
Liverpool are expecting to be without Steven Gerrard for up to six weeks after the midfielder pulled up with a hamstring injury during Saturday’s 4-1 victory over West Ham at Anfield.
The Reds skipper pulled up with the problem in the second half and immediately signaled his intentions to be substituted to the Liverpool bench.
Gerrard underwent tests on Sunday, but Chris Bascombe writes in Monday’s Telegraph that the signs are not good for the England international:
Gerrard had tests at the club’s training ground on Sunday, but the early indications were not promising with the possibility of at least a month on the sidelines.
The news will come as a major blow to Liverpool and Gerrard, who has started all fifteen Premier League games for the club this season.
The Reds go into a tricky run of games to end 2013 – starting with a trip to Tottenham next Sunday where they’ll be looking for a win to close the five point gap on league leaders Arsenal.
Following that, they face Cardiff City at home, before away games at Manchester City and Chelsea to end the year.
Welsh international Joe Allen started alongside Gerrard in midfield against West Ham, and will now most likely partner Brazilian Lucas in Gerrard’s absence.
There is expected to be official confirmation on the extent of Gerrard’s hamstring injury on Monday from the club.
Liverpool have been drawn to play either Mansfield Town or Oldham Athletic in the 3rd round of the FA Cup.
Mansfield host Oldham in the FA Cup 2nd Round Replay on Wednesday, December 18th at Field Mill. The winner wins a lucrative tie at home to Liverpool.
The sides drew 1-1 at Boundary Park yesterday.
History is repeating itself with Oldham beating Mansfield 2-1 in last season’s FA Cup, before knocking out Liverpool 3-2 in the fourth round.
The game will be played at Anfield on the weekend of the 4/5 January 2014, with television scheduling yet to be decided.
As Everton were drawn at home to QPR, Liverpool or the Blues will see their game moved due to local policing and transport logistics.
Liverpool last won the competition at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in 2006, defeating West Ham on penalties in the final.
Other highlights of the third round draw include a North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham, Blackburn host Manchester City, Newcastle vs Cardiff and Manchester United vs Swansea City.
The full draw for the 3rd Round of the FA Cup is as follows:
Bournemouth v Fleetwood or Burton
Derby v Chelsea
Ipswich v Preston
Grimsby v Huddersfield
Birmingham v Bristol Rovers or Crawley
Arsenal v Tottenham
Brighton v Reading
Everton v QPR
Blackburn v Manchester City
Bolton v Blackpool
Sunderland v Carlisle
Macclesfield v Sheffield Wednesday
Aston Villa v Sheffield United
Norwich v Fulham
Port Vale v Plymouth
Manchester United v Swansea
Charlton v Wrexham or Oxford
Wigan v MK Dons
Rochdale v Leeds
Newcastle v Cardiff
Southampton v Burnley
Stoke v Leicester
Doncaster v Stevenage
Kidderminster v Peterborough
West Brom v Crystal Palace
Middlesbrough v Hull
Southend v Millwall
Bristol City v Watford
Nottingham Forest v West Ham
Liverpool v Oldham or Mansfield
Yeovil v Leyton Orient
Barnsley v Hartlepool or Coventry
Liverpool have been drawn to play either Mansfield Town or Oldham Athletic in the 3rd round of the FA Cup.
Mansfield host Oldham in the FA Cup 2nd Round Replay on Wednesday, December 18th at Field Mill. The winner wins a lucrative tie at home to Liverpool.
The sides drew 1-1 at Boundary Park yesterday.
History is repeating itself with Oldham beating Mansfield 2-1 in last season’s FA Cup, before knocking out Liverpool 3-2 in the fourth round.
The game will be played at Anfield on the weekend of the 4/5 January 2014, with television scheduling yet to be decided.
As Everton were drawn at home to QPR, Liverpool or the Blues will see their game moved due to local policing and transport logistics.
Liverpool last won the competition at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in 2006, defeating West Ham on penalties in the final.
Other highlights of the third round draw include a North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham, Blackburn host Manchester City, Newcastle vs Cardiff and Manchester United vs Swansea City.
The full draw for the 3rd Round of the FA Cup is as follows:
Bournemouth v Fleetwood or Burton
Derby v Chelsea
Ipswich v Preston
Grimsby v Huddersfield
Birmingham v Bristol Rovers or Crawley
Arsenal v Tottenham
Brighton v Reading
Everton v QPR
Blackburn v Manchester City
Bolton v Blackpool
Sunderland v Carlisle
Macclesfield v Sheffield Wednesday
Aston Villa v Sheffield United
Norwich v Fulham
Port Vale v Plymouth
Manchester United v Swansea
Charlton v Wrexham or Oxford
Wigan v MK Dons
Rochdale v Leeds
Newcastle v Cardiff
Southampton v Burnley
Stoke v Leicester
Doncaster v Stevenage
Kidderminster v Peterborough
West Brom v Crystal Palace
Middlesbrough v Hull
Southend v Millwall
Bristol City v Watford
Nottingham Forest v West Ham
Liverpool v Oldham or Mansfield
Yeovil v Leyton Orient
Barnsley v Hartlepool or Coventry
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