Pound For Pound Sterling Was Liverpool’s Finest
In an emotional weekend Liverpool produced a wonderful performance, it was a worthy dedication from the club as they honoured the fallen 96 of Hillsborough.
Steven Gerrard was an inspirational leader, whose set-pieces continuously caused Manchester City problems. Match winner Philippe Coutinho also had a terrific game. Luis Suarez was, as ever, a pest that was a huge threat and Martin Skrtel was a rock at the back!
But for me Liverpool’s shining light in this game, billed as a title decider, was youngster Raheem Sterling.
The 19 year old forward was an absolute star today and his season keeps getting better and better. His ability to continually find space against a very experienced Manchester City side was great to watch, especially in the first half.
Sterling’s pace would cause fear in both Martin Demichelis and Vincent Kompany. His runs were dynamic and were expertly picked out by messrs Gerrard, Coutinho and in particular Suarez.
It was Luiz Suarez who played a superb pass onto the England internationalist, who’d expertly found space in behind Kompany. The attacker would then twist and turn in the box, sending Kompany and Joe Hart one way and then the other. He then placed a shot home into an empty net. The composure shown by Sterling, inside seven minutes in such a huge game, was phenomenal and he showed that he has matured a lot so far in his short career.
The young man might be a bit of a delinquent off the pitch but on the park he is learning from the stars around him and seems to be growing in confidence each and every week.
A lot of credit has to be given to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers. The boss spotted Sterling’s talents immediately. The Northern Irishman showed faith in the forward and threw him in at the deep end. Sterling reacted almost perfectly and he has become a very influential member of the squad.
His enthusiastic endeavour today settled a lot of nerves early on. He thrived in the emotionally charged atmosphere and was a credit to his football club.
Hopefully Raheem Sterling can keep on improving. Fingers crossed he can also stay out of trouble when he is away from Anfield.
Comparisons with John Barnes might be a bit strong at the moment but like Barnes, Sterling has proven he is very capable of lifting a Liverpool side and staring on the big stage.
Today Liverpool showed that they are ready to go on and lift this league title, that may not please everyone in England. But every English fan should be gushing about Raheem Stirling’s performance and demand that he is in Roy Hodgson’s squad for Brazil in the summer!
Posted on April 13th, 2014 by scott
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