Friday, 7th February, 2014
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on Raheem Sterling ahead of his side’s crucial Premier League contest against Arsenal tomorrow.
The 19-year-old, who burst onto the scene in 2012, dropped off in the latter stages of last season.
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However, Sterling has been in good form for the Reds in the present campaign and has managed to find the back of the net four times, in addition to providing six assists in 23 appearances in all competitions.
And Rodgers, whose side are presently fourth in the Premier League, believes that the youngster has improved a great deal since last season.
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The Northern Irishman further added that Sterling, who underwent proper pre-season preparation this term, is solely focused on his game and is working his socks off on the training ground.
"I think his focus on his game is clearly there", Rodgers explained to his club’s official site.
"I see it on a daily basis. He's getting himself prepared well for training.
"It's difficult when you have a young player at 17 years of age and they burst onto the scene like Raheem did through his sheer natural talent. He come into the spotlight and in those first six months, he was outstanding.
"But it happens to every single player; there's going to be a drop-off period for them. And for him, it was probably the second half of last season. But he came in over the course of pre-season and he worked tirelessly.
"He was bright and he was given a chance this year, which he took. He's only just turned 19 years of age. I think you're seeing now a boy that is very focused on his football and he's happy, which is important.
"He's concentrating on his work. In training he's been unbelievable. He's so hard and so fast in his game. Technically he's getting better. Tactically, for a young boy, he's got a really good head for the game.
"I think he's recognised that at a club like this here, you've got to be right every single day of your life, not just in every game. He's getting his rewards at the minute. He looks very fast and bright and he can cause problems for opponents."
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