Raheem Sterling: An Iconic Footballer In The Making

Jul 30, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Liverpool FC forward Raheem Sterling (31) controls the ball against Manchester City FC during the second half of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Since his early days as a footballer at Queens Park Rangers to his big move to Liverpool at youth level, Raheem Sterling has been attracting the eyes of not only many Liverpool fans but the footballing world in general. It was back in February of 2010 that Rafa Benitez, the then boss of LFC made a big push and signed Sterling for a reported 500,00 pounds with the fee to rise to 5 million according to his appearances. The Liverpool coaches and scouts definitely did their homework as Sterling is on top of the world as one of the most exciting footballers to watch in years.

He rose up the ranks through Liverpool’s youth system after the move from QPR scoring goals and displaying blistering pace on the wing. His hard work and determination would pay off when he broke through the senior side in a substitute league appearance versus Wigan in 2012. At the ripe old age of 17 he became only the second Liverpool player alongside Michael Owen to do so. The accolades continued that season as he buried his first goal at Senior level in a league match against Reading becoming only the second Liverpool player again alongside Owen to match this feat. He went onto make 24 appearances for the senior side scoring twice. Each time he entered the field Liverpool fans were privileged to see a player with so much ball skill, so much pace and also an eye for goal. Although his first year with the senior side was a positive one, it wasn’t until last season where we were treated to something remarkable. He finally got his place in Rodgers starting eleven as a regular and showed us and football fans around the world why he means business. A pivotal role on the wing of a Liverpool attack that scared defenses all over the Premier League. His pace along with Daniel Sturridge and the skillful Suarez caused havoc for backlines and his ball control and eye for a sweet pass helped Brendan Rodgers side nearly grab that elusive Premier League title. He also added to his goals tally finishing with 10 in all competitions including 9 in the league which is a solid addition that will only continue to grow.

Jul 30, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Liverpool FC forward Raheem Sterling (31) reacts after scoring a goal against Manchester City FC during the second half of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest positives I’ve seen in Sterling’s growth as an elite footballer is his confidence with the ball. We’ve always known his ball control and pace but it’s the runs he is making off the ball to get into goal scoring positions, as well as his fearless nature of taking on any defender no matter the cause. He has also added some grit to his game which has made him the full package player. A few years ago when he broke through the side Liverpool fans could see his incredible skill but when he got into great positions, he was getting knocked off the ball a little too easily. That isn’t the case now as I’ve seen and I’m sure many football fans have seen that he doesn’t only burst past defenders with pace, he can bounce off challenges and ride tackles a lot more effectively than he ever had before.

Jun 19, 2014; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Uruguay midfielder Alvaro Pereira (6) against England forward Raheem Sterling (19) during the 2014 World Cup at Arena Corinthians. Uruguay defeated England 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

All the attention he received last season caught the eye of England boss Roy Hodgson who added Sterling to his England squad for the World Cup in Brazil this past summer. With the eyes of the entire footballing world on him Raheem was one of England’s biggest positives from a disappointing tournament. Even world-class Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo noticed the sublime skill that Sterling possesses, he had this to say and I quote.

“Sterling was the only English player to cause me problems, he’s very talented”

To hear those words from a legend like Pirlo is an accolade in itself.

(Kevin Walsh, Flickr Images-The Commons)

He is exactly what you want in an attacker and will only continue to electrify fans around the world. He has already got off the scoring mark on opening day this season netting in a win versus Southampton and I am more than sure that this will continue. The fact that he has accomplished all of this at the young age of 19 can only have Liverpool fans jumping for joy, as well they should. Liverpool have one of the most exciting wingers in the world at their disposal and with Uefa Champions League back on the cards and another push for Premier League supremacy on the horizon, they will need his immense talent more than ever. Along with those many years of football ahead of him will come many challenges and obstacles, however if anyone can flourish in these surroundings its Sterling. He is continuing mature with every game and become one of the most devastating players in football today and I believe this will only continue. So Liverpool fans and footballing fans around the world should sit back, grab a cold beverage and enjoy the remarkable talent of Raheem Sterling, an iconic footballer in the making.