Raheem Sterling Continues To Cause Drama For Liverpool
By Adam Clifton
It is fair to suggest that conversation regarding Raheem Sterling can be placed into one of three categories. The first category is good, the second category is bad, and the third category is ugly. You can guess where this is going. The ultra-talented youngster was recently rated as the most valuable player under the age of 21 in football, according to Soccerex. At just 20-years-old, the sky is the limit for the England International. However, the past few months have done little to help the player’s reputation.
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For the good news, Raheem Sterling is one of the highest rated prospects in all of Europe. Already breaking out as a star for Liverpool and a regular contributor for the England National Team, Sterling has proven he is one of the best wingers in Europe. His play has earned the attention of Manchester City and it appears the Citizens are willing to break the bank to get the player to the Etihad. Liverpool could earn in excess of £50 million for the eventual sale of Sterling.
The bad news is simple, Raheem Sterling has refused to cooperate with Liverpool. The impending move to Manchester appears to have caused Sterling to stop working with his current club. The Reds have started training recently for their pre-season tour. However, ESPN FC reports that Sterling has been absent from training due to “illness”. This comes just days after reports surfaced that Sterling did not want to travel to Asia with Liverpool for their pre-season friendlies. Until the move is official, Sterling should act like a professional and travel with his current team.
The ugly news has come up in recent months. First, it was the highly publicized contract dispute. Then, the player was pictured smoking a shisha pipe. Finally, Sterling was seen inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon. The off-field issues only add to the questionable behavior of the player. Sterling will need to clean up his behavior off the field if he hopes to aspire to the elite levels of the sport.
Prior to the past season, Raheem Sterling appeared destined to emerge as a superstar of the sport. However, ugly contract disputes and off-field transgressions have started to slow the imminent rise to stardom for the player. If he wants to get back on track, he needs to be a professional and cooperate with Liverpool, until a move to another club is finalized.