Raheem Sterling

[SB]

All fair points

It certainly remains to be seen if he can make it in the Premier League. It would probably have made sense to loan him out to someone like WBA (although not now, for obvious reasons ) to see how he did.

Yeah the bodger would play him in goal

[McDermotX]

Sterling looks like he has the skills but honestly I think he would get chewed up and spat out in the premier league. Fine if we are 3up with 10 minutes to go give him a run out by all means but I don;t think we can expect any sort of real impact yet, to small and not strong enough on the ball yet.

I agree with this. I don't think it's necessarily his size which is the issue, there are plenty of diminutive players who have been successful in the Premiership.

He needs to develop a bit more on the strength side before getting extended game-time (even in supposed unimportant games). I too don't believe size will be a major factor, but without the strength to hold onto the ball he'll be found wanting at such a young stage. One of Messi's true abilities is his pure strength with the ball at this feet, his ability to hold off people........thats a significant portion of his game, as well the the skill, control and pace.

Even in the cameo appearance he had in pre-season, he really looked like a boy playing with a bunch of men......even with the bad challenge he made after coming on
There's talent there no doubt, but I would be extremely reluctant to rush him too soon. Get him to work on his upper body strength, shielding and aggression, involve him in the squad by all means (as with all the young prospects), but avoid the temptation to chuck a boy into a man's game for the sake of a few headlines, at least not until he's ready.

[Exiled_red]

I wouldn't see anything wrong with giving him the last few (10) minutes if we're not up against it, it could inspire him (and the other lads at the academy) or make him realise the aspects of his game he needs to work on. The youth level is obviously too easy for him, and he needs to keep pushing himself if he is to develop.

[S-RED]

Yep and for the 2nd leg, maybe give Stevie G's little girls a run out too?

Don't think we registered her in time, unfortunatley................

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

He's progressing fine as it is, put him on the bench now and then, if we take a big lead give him a run out. No point throwing him in and getting pushed off the ball, last thing he needs is a loss of confidence

[The Birdman]

Take him out of the cotton wool, if he's good enough then he's old enough.
No-one is talking about starting 15 consecutive games, we're discussing some substitute appearances where he can come on an make an impact.
His pace is the key to surviving in the PL, yes he'll be out muscled but defenders need to get close to him first.
Sometimes a player comes along who out develops the level he is playing at, Sterling is clearly far too good for U18 football and has regularly played well for the reserves - he is one that could start to go backwards if he isn't challenged because he appears to find it all so god damn easy.

QPR fans must be spewing, it's not as if they needed the money

[The_weatherman]

Take him out of the cotton wool, if he's good enough then he's old enough.
No-one is talking about starting 15 consecutive games, we're discussing some substitute appearances where he can come on an make an impact.
His pace is the key to surviving in the PL, yes he'll be out muscled but defenders need to get close to him first.
Sometimes a player comes along who out develops the level he is playing at, Sterling is clearly far too good for U18 football and has regularly played well for the reserves - he is one that could start to go backwards if he isn't challenged because he appears to find it all so god damn easy.

QPR fans must be spewing, it's not as if they needed the money

I think we got him for peanuts as well*. But I agree, he needs regular games for the reserves plus substitue apps for the first team IMO.

* Yup, 500.000 accoring to Wiki

[saj]

I think we got him for peanuts as well*. But I agree, he needs regular games for the reserves plus substitue apps for the first team IMO.

* Yup, 500.000 accoring to Wiki

Rising to £5m I think

[Gray]

LFCTV said rising to 2m

[Gibbo]

I posted a goal of his in the great goals thread a few weeks ago, he takes on a few players and bends it in the corner of the goal, if he keeps progressing as he is we could have quite the player on our hands

[ukfootballfan101]

From twitter, a quote from this evenings press conference:-

by empireofthekop
Dalglish on Raheem: We've got a babysitter organised for him tonight at the hotel and he's doing his homework before he goes to sleep! LOL

[Chrono]

I've got a strong feeling he will come on regardless of how the game is going. Psychologically it would be massive for all the reserves and younger players.

[JohnDoe]

I've got a strong feeling he will come on regardless of how the game is going. Psychologically it would be massive for all the reserves and younger players.

I agree. I think it would send the right message to everyone. Play well at reserve/youth level and you'll get noticed and rewarded with a chance.

[JohnOK]

I agree. I think it would send the right message to everyone. Play well at reserve/youth level and you'll get noticed and rewarded with a chance.

And is a great point to make with signing potential youngsters, sign for us and you'll play sooner than at Utd, Chelsea or City.

[Vermilion]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR-moFM_YlE&feature=related"]YouTube - Raheem Sterling Skills - Liverpool[/ame]