Liverpool must take attacking burden off Sterling (ESPN article)

[tlw content]

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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[Denny Crane]

Seen this elsewhere shows how much he has played at such an age. If he picks up injury's, fingers will be pointed at Rodgers without question for overplaying him despite his moans to Hodgson.

 

Sterling's precocious and sometimes outrageous displays have made him indispensable to his manager and he has been overburdened for a player of his age.

 

Indeed, as Gabriele Marcotti noted, Sterling had played the full 90 minutes a staggering 49 times before he had even turned 20. For Cristiano Ronaldo it was 30, Lionel Messi? Just 25.

[Paco]

Seen this elsewhere shows how much he has played at such an age. If he picks up injury's, fingers will be pointed at Rodgers without question for overplaying him despite his moans to Hodgson.

 

Sterling's precocious and sometimes outrageous displays have made him indispensable to his manager and he has been overburdened for a player of his age.

 

Indeed, as Gabriele Marcotti noted, Sterling had played the full 90 minutes a staggering 49 times before he had even turned 20. For Cristiano Ronaldo it was 30, Lionel Messi? Just 25.

Fabregas?

[Denny Crane]

Fabregas?

 

It was not a full list of players who played games before 20, Paco.

 

A few players have played a fair few games before 20, the likes of Fabregas, Wilshire, Owen, Fowler, Rooney, Milner amongst others  with varying levels of injury's. Although I think it is fair to say different roles on the pitch place different physical demands on a player. Sterling's game is prob more reliant on short sharp intense bursts than most players.

 

It just seems like he has played lots of games in a short time-span and the one he should have played, he missed out in Madrid. Anyway, Rodgers hinted at resting him in the new year hopefully there is a plan and it is not dependent on if Rodgers neck is on the chopping block or not.

[King Emlyn]

Seen this elsewhere shows how much he has played at such an age. If he picks up injury's, fingers will be pointed at Rodgers without question for overplaying him despite his moans to Hodgson.

 

Sterling's precocious and sometimes outrageous displays have made him indispensable to his manager and he has been overburdened for a player of his age.

 

Indeed, as Gabriele Marcotti noted, Sterling had played the full 90 minutes a staggering 49 times before he had even turned 20. For Cristiano Ronaldo it was 30, Lionel Messi? Just 25.

Let's be honest Frode, it doesn't take much for you to point the finger at Rodgers

[ratcatcher]

Or any Liverpool manager for that matter!

[Dr. J]

 

 

Indeed, as Gabriele Marcotti noted, Sterling had played the full 90 minutes a staggering 49 times before he had even turned 20. 

 

Fucking criminal, that.

[TheFridge]

Physically Sterling seems to have picked up a second wind, mentally he doesn't look right on it though, you can see it in his muddled decision making, he had really improved that part of his game but it's going backwards now, some of his short passing which should be a given has been pretty bad too.

 

Having to rely on him game after game is a massive fail, it takes the piss, not fair on him at all, fingers crossed he doesn't snap anytime soon.