Weekly feature- 18YB's Rising Star of the week: Raheem Sterling

Ever since his arrival at the big stage, Raheem Sterling has taken the world by storm. He is our this week's Rising Star of the Week

At just 17 years of age, Raheem Sterling is already a star for Liverpool fans. With scintillating pace down the left of their midfield, he already is being looked upon as the next big thing which will take Liverpool back to the top of English football. 

18 Yard Box has a look at this promising youngster who can be a fascinating prospect for years to come, both for Liverpool and England or Jamaica whichever he choses.

Raheem Sterling- Liverpool's new prodigy

Rags to riches- A wonderful story

Coming from a small town in Jamaica which can be described one of the most deprived areas on the whole island, Sterling’s story from rags to riches is almost complete. He just needs to be on this track and Liverpool’s rise back to the top might just coincide with his rise to the top.

Having been brought up in the narrow lanes of London, with QPR developing this young prodigy since the age of 10, he has always been the centre of attention with Jamaica’s national newspaper hailing his quick progress. He was there by signed by former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez for a paltry sum of £600,000 raising to £5 Million depending on the number of first team appearance he makes.

Sterling playing against Arsenal while Downing and Cole warmed the bench

A great spot by Rodgers which was missed by KD

Although immediate results were not something which was expected, the acquisition is showing results for current gaffer Brendan Rodgers. The amount of faith he has shown in the young winger has been tremendous and the way he has reinstated his faith by classy performances is even more delightful for fans and his team mates alike.

At a position where last season’s costly purchase Stuart Downing not performing up to standards, why Sterling was not called up by Dalglish, only he can tell. His raw pace and flair is something which they hugely missed last term and only if was played regularly, what could have been!

Sterling making his appearance for England

Plenty of options on the international fronts for Sterling

With the level of his performances absolutely top class, and with so many years to go in his playing career, Liverpool and England can certainly return to the top of football tables unless he decides to choose his career options elsewhere (he can also choose to play for Jamaica as he was born there, although he has appeared for England U-17 an U-21 teams, while making an appearance on the bench for the senior England side).

Playing Style

Sterling has always been a direct player. With good pace on the ball and even better dribbling ability, he has showed he is fearless to run at the defender. His balance on the ball is good but improvement has to be made on his bulkiness, which will come over the years. With agile, intelligent movement and awareness of the ball, Sterling appears to be on the right path for glory.

Playing alongside him used to be an embarrassment for players who were much elder. His nutmegs and sudden change in pace used to be surprising for fellow players and fans alike. He used to be inconsolable when his team lost even when he played great. His mentality is his strongest attribute. 
A type of player "for whom you’ve just got to roll out the red carpet and give him a platform to perform" as his ex- coach at QPR describes him. 

In his 11 appearances this season, Sterling has already scored one goal with a couple of assists and has certainly proved to be a handful for defenses.

Hopefully for Liverpool, his scintillating form will continue through out the season which could help Liverpool to greater things.

A fearless poacher who does not give up and runs directly at the defenders as if to tell them, "guys you dont exist for me". This is Liverpool's new young prodigy- Raheem Sterling.

Click on the above video to witness the magic of Liverpool's new starlet.


Written By,
Aman Arora

Aman is a contributor for Sportskeeda, Goal.com India and also a Writer and Editor for 18 Yard Box. 

Follow Aman Arora on Twitter