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| Sterling celebrating a goal against Arsenal in 2014 |
As contract talks surrounding Raheem Sterling rumble on like they have been for the last few months, will he won’t he sign seems to be the subject of much debate. But can Liverpool really afford to lose him?
It was as a 17 year old that Brendan Rodgers decided to give
Sterling his first League start, in August 2012, against Man City in a 2-2 home
draw after a series of bright performances in friendlies and Europa League
qualifiers.
Sterling enjoyed a sharp rise to prominence with a host of
excellent performances since his debut and scored his first Premier League goal
in a 1-0 victory against Reading at Anfield in October 2012. His performances
hadn't gone un-noticed, with Roy Hodgson keeping tabs on the talented
youngster, well aware he was eligible for Jamaica as well as England. As a
result he was awarded his full England debut against Sweden in a friendly,
still at the age of 17.
So a world beater, wonderkid, mega talent – you name it,
Sterling had probably been described that way – which is what happens when an
English youngster has a handful of good games. He was subsequently offered a
bumper contract extension and signed a new deal on 21st December
2012.
There was a period of 2013 where he went quiet, performances
stuttered and he looked fatigued. Quite understandable of an 18 year old
playing regular first team football. As a result, Rodgers did the right thing
and withdrew him from the limelight.
It seemed to work wonders as when he was reintroduced back
into the first team picture on a regular basis late into 2013, his game took
off. He formed a formidable trio with Sturridge and Suarez, contributing to one
the most dangerous attacks in Europe. It was perfect timing as Liverpool were
mounting a serious title challenge for the first time since the 2008/09 season.
Confidence, pace, goals in important games including a brace
in the 5-1 demolition of Arsenal, everything was falling into place for the
then 19 year old who was starting to fulfil his enormous potential.
Excelling in a season where Liverpool went so close, he was
rewarded with a 2014 World Cup call up and after calls from the media and fans,
he was given a starting birth in the opening match against Italy. Despite a disappointing
2-1 defeat, this was the game that propelled Sterling onto the world stage,
producing a brilliant performance that even had Andrea Pirlo purring.
Sterling took his form into the new season, arguably being
the best performer in a disappointing start to the season, which prompted talks
of a new contract with Real Madrid sniffing around. Even with 2 years left on
his current deal, he reportedly wants more that £100,000 a week. This seems
excessive but if you believe the Mirror (ahem) he’s the seventh most valuable
player in the world ahead of the likes of Sanchez and Fabregas. So a new deal
seems more than justified.
Having apparently rejecting 2 new deals already including a
£70,000 a week offer, it seems only a matter of time before a final decision is
made. Rodgers has come out and said that an ‘incredible’ offer is on the table
for Sterling and that he would be foolish to turn it down.
He’s an integral part of everything Liverpool do and has
been vital to their upturn in fortunes since Christmas who will only get better
with age, so it’s understandable that clubs like Real Madrid are keeping close
tabs on the 20 year old.
He’s a once in a generation player and when a club legend
like Steven Gerrard’s last wish before he leaves is to sign Sterling up to a
new contract, it seems a necessity to keep him. So no, Liverpool can’t afford
to lose him, even for huge money that would be required to take him away.
As per, comments are welcome!
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