Raheem Sterling’s top five Liverpool moments, a look back at his career so far…
Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling turns 20 today, but the boy has long since become a man, establishing himself as one of the Reds’ key players over the last two years. Here’s a look back at his top five moments:
March 24th 2012 – First Team Debut
Sterling made his Liverpool debut in the closing stages of the 2011-12 season, coming on as a substitute against Wigan Athletic. At 17 years and 107 days, he became the second-youngest player ever to play for the club. He made two further appearances that season, against Fulham and Chelsea – impressing with his pace and trickery.
October 20th 2012 – First League Goal
Sterling scored his first league goal for Liverpool in the 1-0 win over newly promoted Reading. His strike made him the second-youngest player to score in a competitive game for the club, behind only Michael Owen. Sterling scored his second goal of the 2012-13 season in the 3-0 win over Sunderland, lobbing the ball over future teammate Simon Mignolet.
November 14th 2012 – International Debut
Still only 17, Sterling made his England debut in a friendly against Sweden – where the Three Lions lost 4-2. The Liverpool man looked somewhat overawed by the occasion, and had to wait until 2014 for his next England call. A more experienced Sterling quickly thrived in the national team, and was one of the stand-out players during an otherwise disappointing World Cup campaign.
February 8th 2014 – Liverpool Thrash Arsenal
Perhaps the best game of an exceptional season for Sterling, who scored twice as Liverpool thrashed Arsenal 5-1 at Anfield. He finished last season with nine goals from 33 Premier League games, as the Reds narrowly missed out of a first top flight title in close to three decades.
August 17th 2014 – Reds Make The Perfect Start
Luis Suarez’s departure has seen Liverpool’s reliance on Sterling grow. And while this season has been disappointing for the club as a whole, the Reds’ young winger has continued to impress. He scored a crucial goal in the club’s opening match win against Southampton, defeating the Saints 2-1 at Anfield.