Liverpool must take attacking burden off Sterling (ESPN article)

by Dave Usher for ESPN

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of Liverpool's failed Champions League campaign was that the team that got them back into Europe's premier club competition was not the one that got to play in it. By the time Brendan Rodgers' side played their opening group game against Ludogorets in September, they no longer looked equipped to be playing at that level.

That opening fixture at Anfield was the only one they won from six group games, and even then they needed a stoppage-time penalty to secure victory. The Liverpool of last season would have graced the competition but it's debatable whether this year's team are even Europa League standard. We'll find out one way or the other when the Reds parachute into that competition in February.

For now, the pressing question for Liverpool is whether they are capable of securing the top-four place that will allow them another crack at the Champions League next year. The odds are against it based on what they've shown so far this season. In fact, the only thing Liverpool can cling to right now is that many of their rivals for the top four appear to be almost as flawed as they are.

It would be surprising if that remained the case for much longer as you'd have to expect at least one of Arsenal, Tottenham or Everton to put their troubles behind them and eventually hit some form. Manchester United look distinctly average too, but they at least appear to have found a way to get results while not performing at their best and have somehow slithered their way up to third place.

Liverpool are still within striking distance of the top four so there's no cause for panic yet, but they need a spark from somewhere soon as Raheem Sterling has almost been fighting a one-man battle at times this year. That can't continue as they are running the youngster into the ground, albeit through necessity. Whereas last year Sterling excelled as third forward and was able to thrive in the extra space afforded to him as opponents worried about Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez, this year he's been the focus of almost all their attention as Liverpool have had very little else to offer in the final third. If you were a defender facing Liverpool, aside from Sterling who would strike fear into you?

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