Joe Allen backs Raheem Sterling, claiming he will only get better if he stays at Liverpool

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The under-fire youngster still has the support of his teammates…

It’s been a rare thing over the last month – kind words about Raheem Sterling. Between the shisha pipes, ‘hippy crack’ and contract turmoil (via the Daily Mail), it’s easy to see why the pressure might be mounting.

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However, his Liverpool teammate Joe Allen has moved to remind everyone what makes the England international so special, pointing out both his age and phenomenal potential, describing the 20-year-old as ‘frightening’.

Both players scored during the Reds’ timely return to Premier League form on Monday. Indeed, the 2-0 win over a struggling Newcastle United side, coupled with Manchester City’s latest defeat, has moved Brendan Rodgers’ side back to within four points of the Champions League places.

Speaking about the youngster, Allen told the Liverpool Echo: “People forget sometimes that Raheem is only 20 years old. It’s frightening how good he is.

“He always focuses on his football. He’s someone who will continue to get better and better. Performances like that are what he’s all about.

“Goal scoring is something he’s getting better at all the time, credit to him. His rise during my three seasons here has been incredible.

“I remember his first start in the Man City game (in 2012) when he was thrown in. It was pretty clear then that he was special and since then he’s gone on to prove that.

“Sometimes people talk about how there’s no young English talent but that’s a load of rubbish, being honest. There aren’t many 20 year olds in world football doing what Raheem is doing. It’s great for England as a nation and more importantly for Liverpool.”

Sterling, Allen and co will now turn their attentions to our FA Cup semi-final clash against Aston Villa on Sunday, where the pair will be aiming to continue that form and book us a Wembley final against either Arsenal or Reading.

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