Raheem Sterling

[topscorer]

No doubt about it, it was a soft penalty but not incorrect. It's one of those 50/50 ones that you are furious about if you are on the receiving end but grateful to get. Anyway, he hand balled before getting to the penalty so if the referee had got that right he wouldn't have been in the penalty box.

The Cissokho one a little later was clearly a foul, no argument there.

Skrtel wrestling in the penalty box looked pretty clear too and he got back to his shirt pulling tricks today too . That's going to cost us points at some point if he doesn't cut it out. Commentators have noticed it and always banging on about it. No way the referees don't watch TV and read the papers .

Anyway, I don't give a ****, I'm taking it. We've had some bad decisions against us too. In fact maybe the whoppa against Sterling in the Man City game subconsciously affected the refs decision today.

[SB]

No. It's Lucas who needs to make way.

totally agree.

[PTP]

he's been brilliant with his hold up play.

Uses his body well, muscles himself inbetween defender and ball and either draws the foul or keeps possession until support comes...

there was a counter attack from a stoke corner where the ball was cleared to half way line and sterling read it superbly and was able to break with the ball relieving pressure off our defence

[baitman]

he's been brilliant with his hold up play.

Uses his body well, muscles himself inbetween defender and ball and either draws the foul or keeps possession until support comes...

there was a counter attack from a stoke corner where the ball was cleared to half way line and sterling read it superbly and was able to break with the ball relieving pressure off our defence

http://www.est1892.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=2812457&postcount=310

[BigChief]

he's been brilliant with his hold up play.

Uses his body well, muscles himself inbetween defender and ball and either draws the foul or keeps possession until support comes...

there was a counter attack from a stoke corner where the ball was cleared to half way line and sterling read it superbly and was able to break with the ball relieving pressure off our defence

and

[danperkins]

Very good today again.

[Shaggy]

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/154450-raheem-labelled-reds-man-of-steel

Raheem labelled Reds' 'man of steel'

Few players have ever belied their seemingly diminutive physical stature with the same consistency as Raheem Sterling, who shows such levels of strength that his manager has joked the winger is 'made of steel'.

While searing pace, ability to dribble at speed and interplay with fellow Liverpool forwards are clearly a selection of the No.31's greatest assets, the 19-year-old also possesses power in abundance.

Barely a game passes by in which Sterling does not outmuscle an opponent, combining upper body strength with a low centre of gravity to bamboozle his marker and spring into space behind the backline.

It's an attribute which has not gone unnoticed by Brendan Rodgers and, following another impeccable display during the derby triumph over Everton, the boss took time to share his delight with the England international's progress.

"Young Raheem has barely had a mention but I thought he was absolutely outstanding," the Northern Irishman commented in reference to Tuesday night.

"This kid has only just turned 19 years of age and was up against arguably the best left-back in the country at the moment.

"I'm sure if you were to ask Leighton Baines he would say he had a really, really difficult night. Raheem was so dangerous with his pace.

"He's one of the strongest players I've ever known - that's what people find remarkable. I don't think he's got bones in his body, it's like he's made of steel. He has an incredible physique for a young guy.

"He also has toughness in his brain. Mentally, he's very strong. He is improving his technique and he needs to improve his goal return but that will come.

"He is still so young but his performance level at the minute is at such a high level. He's happy, he's confident and he's a joy to work with."

[RedReet]

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/late...s-man-of-steel

Full article in Echo.

Was surprised myself Sterling didn't get more recognition, I thought he was excellent. I remember thinking during the match that if he can add a tiny wee bit more end product to his game he really could be one of the best players in the league.

He obviously has a lot of talent, but credit to Rodgers for how he's managed him.

[Fosterbloke]

Goals will come and he's creating chances (even penalties!) and keeping the ball. His intelligence in holding the ball has increased dramatically too.

[SB]

His strength has noticeably improved from last year. He's very hard to knock off the ball anymore. Kudos to all concerned. His apparent weakness has become his strength.

[BigChief]

I will never doubt him again. Even if/when he goes through bad patches. A few more years and he could be John Barnes MKII

[cream]

He's sky rocketed these last couple of months, not just strength but game intelligence too. I feared he would just become a speed merchant but it's clear he'll become so much more than that.

[magicalbarnes]

I will never doubt him again. Even if/when he goes through bad patches. A few more years and he could be John Barnes MKII

racist

[Red_Polo]

John Barnes isn't racist

[Fosterbloke]

racist

Explain?