Liverpool’s new bright spark – Raheem Sterling a cause for optimism on Merseyside

It may well be all gloom and doom around Anfield after an uneventful and unsuccessful transfer deadline day, but there is cause for optimism at Liverpool. The fact that the Reds missed out Clint Dempsey and failed to bolster their attack has overshadowed the fact that four promising summer signings were made in the form of Joe Allen, Fabio Borini, Oussama Assaidi and in particular Nuri Sahin. Add to this a new superstar in the making in the form of Raheem Sterling and the Kop should not be getting down on themselves just yet.

Sterling made his Premier League debut back in March under Kenny Dalglish and his name has been on the radar of Liverpool fans since Rafa Benitez signed him from the QPR academy back in February 2010. Even given his impressive performances for England at under-16 and under-17 levels and holding his own when given his chance at the tail-end of last season, few would have predicted that the 17-year-old Sterling actually has a important role as part of Brendan Rodgers’ revolution at the club.

Sterling has been dropped in at the deep end this term by the Northern Irish coach, as the teenager has started for the Merseysiders against Manchester City and Arsenal and been one of the more impressive of Rodgers’ players. Sterling’s versatility is seemingly an asset that the Reds trainer values, as his ability to start anywhere down the left flank will be a feature of the side’s style of play in 2012-13. The teenagers has enthralled with quick feet, the willingness to attack opponents and a seemingly boundless energy; all attributes that Stewart Downing failed to offer on the left wing last season.

Sterling’s rise to prominence has been noticed and been recognised by Stuart Pearce, with the under-21 boss keen to fast-track the star. However, the speedy winger will make the logical step up to under-19 level first before representing Pearce’s contingent, which seems inevitable further down the track.

The fact that unfortunately the Reds are seemingly being outmuscled in the transfer market by some of the Premier League’s other top clubs will be a source of frustration for those at Anfield. That said, promising youngsters such as Sterling will be keen to adopt Rodgers’ possession and attacking mentality, and the England age-grade player certainly has the ability to play a part in the club’s push for Champions League football this season.