Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling thinks captain Steven Gerrard and manager Brendan Rodgers are helping him to realise his huge potential. He didn’t play much earlier on in the season but he has now strated 18 times for the club in 20 games since December 1.
The winger’s fine run of form has also seen him thrown into the reckoning for an England place and he has already featured in England’s friendly against Denmark earlier this month. Sterling claimed that Gerrard was a great source of encouragement and advice. He said:
“I couldn’t ask for a better captain. Before every game he is helping me in terms of what player I am up against. To have someone like that to encourage you is great.”
Sterling is also grateful to Rodgers and added: “He was trying to get me settled off the pitch and, on it, he was telling me to be more at home, to be more relaxed on the ball and express myself. That has really helped me.
“He has made me realise I am here on merit and I’m not just here because of what I’ve done in the youth teams. When you are training with Gerrard and Luis Suarez it is a bit nerve-wracking but, after a while, you get used to it and you start being yourself and start expressing yourself. I think I am getting into that zone where I feel I can express myself to the fullest, not be shy, and come out of my shell. I am really settled and really happy to be in the team.”
By Charlie Gregory
@CharlieGLFC
