http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Steven-Gerrard-c34196, has praised Raheem Sterling following his selection in the national squad, and insisted that he deserved an international call-up.
The 17-year old has remained in the media discussions since the start of this season. After breaking into the professional circuitry last term, the English International has developed without bounds, claiming starting berths against Manchester City and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429
in the Reds previous two games.
It is not just his representation at the highest level at such a young age which has taken everyone by surprise. Sterling has arguably been one of the star performers for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 so far in their shaky start to the campaign, and has already been tipped
by many for greatness in the future.
The diminutive forward has caught the attention of the football world with his coruscating runs, remarkable dribbling ability and the relative ease with which he has come to grips with Brendan Rodgers playing philosophy.
After winning scores of admirers at Merseyside, the player has now also earned the admiration of the national manager, Roy Hodgson, who included him in his 24-man squad for the World Cup Qualifiers.
Even though the decision is expected to raise a few eyebrows, Gerrard was in full agreement with it. He hailed Sterling for his splendid start to the season, but believes he still needs to go a long way before he can compare himself with the football greats.
“The results that we've had so far this season haven't been good enough but he's stood up and been really good,” he told the reporters.
“I play with Raheem every day and he excites me every day. I get carried away at times as well I just think it's important, they're only young boys they've got many years aged of them.”
However, it will be a folly to predict extraordinary things from the juvenile attacker as yet. At 17 years of age, he has only just started his career and is yet to prove his fitness, consistency and the ability to score goals.
The Three Lions skipper insisted that it was still early days for Sterling, and cautioned the fans not to over expect from him.
He also advised the forward to keep up his high work rate in the trainings, and not to get carried away with his current performances.
"I think the important thing now is that he keeps his feet on the ground, keeps learning, and keeps trying to find a consistency in his game.”
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