Liverpool moved to the semi finals of the Capital One cup where they will take League leaders Chelsea. The Mersey side team was in some pressure with the recent setbacks in Champions League and Premier League. But, they rode on the performance of their best player of the season so far – Raheem Sterling.
Match Highlights
There is no hiding the fact that Bournemouth played well. If only they had taken their chances, Bournemouth would have been ahead early in the first half. There were another couple of glaring misses before Gosling pulled one back. It was too little too late for the Championship side. But, the night was about Sterling and Liverpool.
For his age, Sterling is facing too much burden on his shoulders. Being a classy young winger born and bred in England is reason enough to be under constant media glare. He will always be touted as the ‘next big thing’ in every column and every show. Plus, the fact that Liverpool are so dependant on him this season, the young player is facing some serious questions.
There is no doubting his ability. Along with Ross Barkley , Sterling may prove to be the new axis of the England national team for the years to come. But, the media glare and the constant gaze is too much for any player of his age. The pressure started showing and Sterling didn’t score for 17 games prior to yesterday night.
Observers say he was very unlucky not to have scored against Manchester United. It is difficult these days to score past David De Gea and Sterling found it to his horror at Old Trafford. The clean shaven look at Bournemouth shaved not just his locks but also the clutter in his mind. He now looks clear in going for the goals. This could prove to be a new dawn not just for Sterling but for Liverpool.
As far as Liverpool is concerned, it is time that they tie their biggest asset for longer term. Losing their star player of last season Luis Suarez pulled Liverpool a couple of years back. They not just lost their star player but also their only attraction for new players. With Champions League for next season looking bleak, Liverpool will do well to keep hold of Sterling.
Bigger continental clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are linked with various degrees of interest. These clubs have the purchasing power and also can lure players with the star cast already on their roster. Liverpool can ill-afford to lose another player. Definitely not after a stuttering campaign so far.