Whilst the Reds will have been disappointed to see their U19 side knocked out of next Gen via a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Quarter finals, there’s still a major positive that Liverpool can take from their time in this competition. The rise to prominence of 17-year-old Raheem Sterling, who really made a name for himself playing in the inaugural Next Gen competition, has had fans sit up and take notice.
In fact on the basis of an impressive string of games in this tournament, you’d think that he’s slowly creeping into Kenny Dalglish’s plans. He may well find himself on the outskirts of the Liverpool first team next season or even loaned out to another side in search of regular football.
What’s most impressive about Sterling is how direct he is. He’s remarkably confident for his age, has excellent acceleration and can beat players. His pace down the flanks has been a real asset for Liverpool throughout the competition and the way he tore Tottenham’sdefence to shreds with the U19s (admittedly to no real avail) was a sight to behold.
He may be young, but his close control of a football whilst running at pace betrays a natural talent and will surely herald a big future. The Jamaican born England Youth International will surely be a big name on the footballing landscape over the next decade, but it’s important that Liverpool monitor his progress carefully and ensure he’s getting every chance to develop and progress.
To that extent I can’t help but wonder if Kenny can find some space for Sterling in Liverpool’s FA Cup clash with Brighton on the 19th. I’m not expecting a starting berth, but a place on the bench and a few minutes at the end of the game to take on a tired defence could be beneficial for both club and player.
A complaint often leveled against the Reds is that they don’t produce enough young players who make it at the top level – particularly when it comes to attacking-minded youngsters. To this extent Sterling looks like a breath of fresh air and is certainly a step-up from the likes of Nemeth and Pacheco. Whilst it’s important to exercise caution when it comes to his development, there’s also no point in holding him back and not giving him opportunities when they arise.
With this in mind let’s hope that we begin to see more and more of him over the coming seasons.
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Seeing that they are replacing Spurs in the nextGen for breaking rules it will be only very slight that he will play against Brighton…He will be amazing once he grows more mature
It’s hard to say at this stage who’s the best prospect. Some develop early and some later.
Suffice to say Sterling, Suso, Coady, Silva, Ngoo, and now Teixeira all look good. Not to mention Flanno and Robinson who’ve already tasted senior action. Maybe a couple of them will turn out to be stars.
I think Flanno and Robinson together with Kelly will eventually be first team players. Sterling and Teixeira will also get there. Not yet sure about Coady and Suso. Also Wisdom who is highly rated may have to many players ahead of him to break through. He may end up leaving. Ngog and Silva are unpredictable players and may not get to level of liverpool first team And one to watch is Jordan Ibe who looks solid and and as technically gifted as Sterling.
You mean Ngoo not Ngog
I think he is the reason why no new signings were made
@Rohan: Yup, which was also the reason why Babel left. Which also explains why Downing felt he should never have signed for Liverpool… blah blah blah.
sterling may very well end up being a quality player in his early 20s with his pace as owen was but i think it is a little harsh to say he is obviously a step up from nemeth and pacheco who i don’t believe were given a fair chance and did both have prodigious talent. more attacking youth players need to be given a chance at liverpool, as you say.
i am desperateley waiting for the lad to break in to the first team and show how good he is at the highest level