The Liverpool boss speaks out again on the Raheem Sterling contract situation…
Brendan Rodgers has told Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling that he’s not yet showing the same level of quality that Luis Suarez did during his time at Anfield, although has backed him to continue improving.
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The Daily Star has drawn comparisons between the two players, claiming that Sterling’s current contract situation is similar to that which saw Suarez come close to joining Arsenal in the summer of 2013.
They add that while Sterling is not yet openly asking to leave, he is putting us in an uncomfortable position with his demands – having already turned down an offer in the region of £100,000-per-week.
Rodgers convinced Suarez to stay and spend another fruitful year on Merseyside, almost leading us to the Premier League title last season, and will not have to task down Sterling amidst interest from a number of major clubs.
By the time Suarez left last summer, he was one of the world’s best players, but Rodgers believes Sterling still has some way to go to reach that level.
“As a 20-year-old, no he’s not at that level,” he said.
“He’s a very talented young footballer hopefully on his way to that level. He’s a young player who has a lot of development but who also has made a lot of progress because of one reason which is Liverpool.
“Players now may look to later in their career and their life. But I can only focus on here, Liverpool and what is best for him and now.”
He added: “I pick the best team and what is key for him – and I’m sure he understands – is he is getting the opportunity to play. If you look through this league and in Europe and there aren’t many playing at 17, 18, 19 or 20.
“It doesn’t bother me – I pick the best team and he will probably sit back, reflect and think he is playing which not many young kids are.
“He has made it clear he is happy and said he does not want – after every interview – to be asked about his contract. Hopefully he can do his talking on the field.”