Why Liverpool’s Young Gun should get a shot before Tottenham snap him up:

Upon Merseyside there is genuine excitement surrounding a young man they signed for just £500,000 when still at the age of just 15.  Raheem Sterling represents the best chance Liverpool have to implement an academy graduate into the first team picture since the likes of Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Robbie Fowler claimed recognition on a world stage.  Many have tried to break into the First team but very few have succeeded; the likes of Stephen Warnock and Danny Guthrie attempted to achieve their dream but both players now find themselves elsewhere whilst Jay Spearing has been a debatable success.

Sterling has been an ever-present in the under-18 and reserve team set up and tends to impress on every occasion, especially throughout the NextGen series (the youth team’s version of the Champions League).  The former QPR man has a box of tricks combined with sweltering pace to match Messrs Walcott and Oxlade Chamberlain.  His talent is obviously at its rawest but it’s clear to see that Kenny Dalglish recognizes the potential within Raheem Sterling.  The Jamaican born winger was included in the squad for last years Europa League and it appeared he may break the clubs record and appear in the first team at just 16 years old, however Dalglish decided to keep his prized possession under wraps.

However, Sterling is now 17 and perhaps deserves a chance in Dalglish’s team or even just the match-day squad.  When you look at the Liverpool bench you struggle to find an out and out winger who can frighten the opposing full-back; in Sterling you have that.  Instead, theLiverpool bench represents a few converted wingers who lack the pace and trickery to get at the opposition. Sterling deserves a chance and unlike current resident Stewart Downing he possesses a genuine final product as his 5 goals last season against Southend showed.

The worry now for Liverpool is keeping hold of Sterling and avoiding a repeat of the struggles of their fiercest rivals Manchester United have shown in their handling of the Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison cases.  It appears young players are beginning to become more and more governed by greedy and influencing agents demanding they consider moves to clubs offering first team football. 

According to reports Sterling has this offer, from Tottenham, but there is no chance Liverpool would consider selling one of the players they cherish the most out of all their academy prospects.  Liverpool represent the best place for Sterling to continue his football education under the guidance of  Kenny Dalglish but perhaps a few appearances here and there are just what the club and Sterling need to keep both parties happy.

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