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Brendan Rodgers has claimed that Raheem Sterling has all the strength and abilities which are required to play as a striker on long term basis. The attacking midfielder netted twice in the quarter finals of the League Cup on Wednesday, while playing as a striker where Liverpool won 3-1 over Bournemouth.
Sterling has the qualities to be a striker: Rodgers
It is reported by SkySports that Rodgers compared Sterling to their rivals Arsenal’s forward Alexis Sanchez and said:"He can play across the front line,"
"I played him as a striker, but you get different types of striker.
"He's more of an Alexis Sanchez when he plays as a striker - he's not going to pin the defender. He plays in the spaces and he's got the speed to get in behind. A couple of great finishes and I'm very pleased with him.
The Liverpool manager further said: "I think his best position is on the side from the left, coming inside and making runs in behind, but I played him in the position because I think he can play it.
"As a young player and in the youth team at Liverpool he's played as a striker and he's got the qualities to do it."
After Suarez left and Sturridge got injured, Sterling has been the main focus: Rodgers
The two goals in the League Cup were his first goals since September for Liverpool, who are struggling at 11th place in the Premier League this season after having missed the title by a whisker last season. Rodgers admitted that after the transfer of Suarez to Barcelona and Sturridge’s injury this season, Sterling has had to stand up for the team.
"Raheem has got a wee bit of stick which I find incredible,"
"He hasn't scored the goals that maybe people expect of him but it's not what I expect of him."Raheem's been outstanding for us. Last season he was a young kid of 18 or 19 playing up top with some world-class players. This season he hasn't got that, that's the reality, but he's kept going and a lot of the focus has been on him.
"I expect him to create and score goals over the course of the season. He was just playing freely - we gave him that striker's role but he's not someone who backs into defenders.
"We want him running between people and not be tackled, and he dropped in very well and his pace and dribbling ability is there for all to see."
However, the 20-year-old England international didn’t comment on the praises showered on him and praised the team’s performances over the season.
"It's been difficult the last few weeks, but I think the boys did really well," Sterling said.
"We deserved it, we played some great football at times and it's all credit to the lads.
"The most important thing is for the team to win and I'm happy to be involved, in and amongst the goals, but as long as the team wins I'm happy."
