Sterling

[LeTallecWiz]

Today's performance reminded me of the way he used to play in the reserves.

He toyed with Naughton in the first half. He wanted the ball, was creating chances non-stop with his speed and his work rate was top notch. He kinda tailed off in the second half, but in the last 20 minutes of the game, he started to get going again and found himself beating Spurs' high line 3 times. He finished with a goal, which is the least his effort deserved considering he should have had 2 or more.

The key to this lad's ability to be a success story with us - and I think Macca mentioned it - is to have his mind focus on footy. Unlike earlier in the season, where he was thrown in more because of need - he's starting to earn his minutes and become a problem for other teams to figure out (heck, even mors is showing him love).

 

[Spaghetti Legs]

Fair play to him, he has to continue like this, he has been woeful for quite a while theres no getting away from it, its really nice to see him playing well, getting his head sorted and getting his career back on track.

 

[LeTallecWiz]

Fair play to him, he has to continue like this, he has been woeful for quite a while theres no getting away from it, its really nice to see him playing well, getting his head sorted and getting his career back on track.

Yup - he was burnt out / lost his focus / whatever last year as the season wore on.

Credit where it's due though - he's been very good the last two games, chipping in with goal, high work rate and just showing he can become a player at this level if he just puts in his shifts.

 

[keniget]

He was a bit like that when he first got his chance in the first team. I'm not sure at what point it starting to go wrong but I guess all those cliches about taking it easy with young players have some truth to them.

He was good in the last game and even better today.

Perhaps if nothing else, the signing of Moses has given Sterling the motivation he needed to up his game. Credit to Rodgers for not sticking with Moses (though Moses has made it very easy for him not to).

 

[Spaghetti Legs]

He was a bit like that when he first got his chance in the first team. I'm not sure at what point it starting to go wrong but I guess all those cliches about taking it easy with young players have some truth to them.

He was good in the last game and even better today.

Perhaps if nothing else, the signing of Moses has given Sterling the motivation he needed to up his game. Credit to Rodgers for not sticking with Moses (though Moses has made it very easy for him not to).

Signing that contract, it was literally the game after when it all started going downhill.

 

[red_maradona]

he is ridiculously strong, wirey type of player, I am am amazed at how he overpowers people bigger than him. what is also impressive is his tracking back, usually lads his age/position arent that good in this area, but he is brill, his chasing down of the ball in the 89m was wonderful.

 

[gkmacca]

He looks like he's been in the gym quite a bit. He's very slight but he looks fitter than ever. It's quite an achievement for him to have come through that really bad time and all credit to him for finding the right attitude.

 

[tony]

Expecting an 18 year old just coming back into the side to tear up the pl is plain fucking mad, and quite a few of you owe him an apology. He will have good games and bad games but in 2 or 3 years hes going to be a really good player. Love the way he gets stuck in to his defensive duties as well.

 

[red_maradona]

yeah makes you wonder the Moses signing did exactly the opposite of what I predicted, rather than stunting sterling, he seems to have risen to the challenge - competition bringing out the best in him. if that is all moses does, than he would have been worth signing!

 

[gkmacca]

Expecting an 18 year old just coming back into the side to tear up the pl is plain fucking mad, and quite a few of you owe him an apology.

How many did think this?

 

[mark1975]

How many did think this?

None really, I think people were a bit pissed that his attitude and off the pitch shenanigans distracted him, which isn't an unfair criticism, given his form ultimately suffered.

Tony is in danger of tipping the euphoria into superfan territory.

 

[gkmacca]

Quite. I don't think many ever were that unfair to him. Plenty of us felt sorry for him when he was being over-played in the latter part of the season when he was carrying an injury and the confidence was slipping out of him like air from a slow puncture. And plenty were bemused by his off the pitch antics. But it's a delight to see him come back looking so lively.

 

[Rafiagra]

He was superb today and it was great to see him get at Naughton.

One of my biggest criticisms of him so far was that he wouldn't take people on. Hopefully he will get more confidence from today and keep the form up.

 

[cloggypop]

Who is that young lad that plays for Spurs on the wing? Englands new hope?

Sterling has more end product. Boss today.

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

Sterling has more end product. Boss today.

Great perrformance today but I'm not convinced after 2 good matches.

 

[cloggypop]

Great perrformance today but I'm not convinced after 2 good matches.

Absolutely but it is great to see him playing effectively with confidence. Hope he builds on it.

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

Definitely

 

[Mors]

Just hope he keeps it up, I'm pleased to start seeing some end product out of him finally. Been excellent the last 2.

 

[Dirkus_Circus]

Loving the new lightning bolt in his hair.

 

[Red Mullet]

Loving the new lightning bolt in his hair.

Harry Potter but a little higher? Both seems adept at using their magic wands.

 

[Dirkus_Circus]

Harry Potter but a little higher? Both seems adept at using their magic wands.

U are one cheeky kunt m8 I swear.

 

[King Binny]

 

[Hansern]

His defensive work also deserves a lot of praise. He doesnt get pushed around, works his socks off and always tracks back.

Good on him and I hope he builds on these two last games. The goals will help his confidence aswell.

 

[doctor_mac]

Moses could watch that and learn fucking loads.

 

[DHSC]

Sterling's strong.

 

[refugee]

Moses could watch that and learn fucking loads.

Moses could watch Teletubbies and learn fucking loads.

 

[Portly]

I didn't include Sterling in my Man of the Match selection, because I think Naughton at left-back had a very poor game and allowed Raheem to show off his skills. Usually defenders are able to brush him off the ball. He's a young player and I'm sure his best is still to come, but as far as I'm concerned the jury is still out! 😀

 

[Gerry_A_Trick]

I got this feeling yesterday, and he's not there yet, but that soon enough it will all click for Sterling. He just needs to continue to work hard and I think he could be a brilliant player for us.

 

[gkmacca]

I didn't include Sterling in my Man of the Match selection, because I think Naughton at left-back had a very poor game and allowed Raheem to show off his skills. Usually defenders are able to brush him off the ball. He's a young player and I'm sure his best is still to come, but as far as I'm concerned the jury is still out! 😀

Poor lad's got so many juries out for him at the moment.

 

[LeTallecWiz]

I got this feeling yesterday, and he's not there yet, but that soon enough it will all click for Sterling. He just needs to continue to work hard and I think he could be a brilliant player for us.

I hope so mate ... I don't get that feeling, but yesterday he looked most 'natural' as a footy player at this level. As I said, it felt like we were watching the reserves again - oozing confidence, holding players off the ball, making the right decision more often than note, terrorizing whoever went by him. They key for him is just to realize - he is the only the person who's capable of halting his rise. If he stays focused and has the same work ethic and desire as Suarez, he can be a very very good player.