Tuesday, 30th October, 2012
Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has backed winger Raheem Sterling to become a major player for the Reds, but stressed he must work on his final moves during matches.
Houllier, who led Liverpool to a historic UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup treble in 2001, has been a keen observer of the progress his old club have made under new manager Brendan Rodgers this season and approves of the changes happening at Anfield.
The Frenchman is especially impressed with how Rodgers has put his faith in the Reds’ younger players, handing opportunities to Spanish midfielder Suso and young English pair Andre Wisdom and Sterling himself.
And for Houllier, Sterling certainly stands out as having all the attributes needed to make a real impact at Anfield.
"I am pleased with the way Brendan makes the team play", Houllier told Liverpool’s official site.
"He plays the right way and I’m pleased he’s given a chance to some of the young players. Some are very good.
relatedNewsStory"Sterling could be a major player for the club in the future and at the moment he just needs to be a little more composed, particularly in the final move of his game.
"Suso, Andre Wisdom and Joe Allen are all good players and it’s very good for the future of the club."
Houllier’s Anfield reign came to an end in 2004, despite the Frenchman having finished in the Premier League’s top four to claim a Champions League place; the finish was below the expectations of a club which wanted to challenge for the league title.
The Frenchman’s supporters have also credited him with laying the foundations for Liverpool’s remarkable Champions League victory one year later.
