Liverpool star Raheem Sterling made his debut for the club on this day in 2012, his first taste of action coming during Kenny Dalglish’s tenure, and the forward has certainly built on his early promise.
Despite the current contract saga Sterling is involved in his first three years at the club have been full of action, both on and off the pitch, as his relationship with current boss Brendan Rodgers took various turns.
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Liverpool will certainly be hoping that Sterling can lead the club into a bright future, but a player of his calibre and promise might want to compete at the top of the game, which means failure to secure Champions League football could prove problematic.
Here are the Sterling’s top five moments to date.
1. Sterling’s first goal for the club.
Moments after entering the pitch, Sterling scored a wonderful effort against Bayer Leverkusen in pre-season, displaying all the qualities Liverpool fans would later become familiar. The 20-year-old would go on to feature heavily in the first half of the season under Brendan Rodgers.
2. Stern warning from the new boss.
Sterling’s relationship with new boss Rodgers threatened to take a turn for the worst after the two exchanged words whilst on pre-season tour in America which was aired on the ‘Being Liverpool’ documentary ahead of the 12/13 season.
The Liverpool boss has since been crucial to Sterling’s development, using him in different positions and enhancing his tactical awareness.
3. Sterling creates a stir with superb display against Arsenal
One of Liverpool’s greatest games at Anfield as they thrashed league leaders Arsenal 5-1, which was the start of an unbelievable run in 2014, nearly bringing the first title since 1990 to the club. Sterling bagged a brace as he ran the Gunners riot.
4. Raheem Sterling vs Manchester City
Billed as a title decider, Sterling bamboozled Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart before providing a cool finish to send an emotional Anfield crowd delirious. On a day which marked the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy, Sterling came of age.
5. Sterling takes on the best defence in England
It might not have proven to be significant in the context of the League Cup semi-final tie, but this goal against a strong Chelsea rearguard was another reference point as to how special Sterling can become.
His sharp turn and immediate drive at Gary Cahill showed bravery, and to finish from that angle on his weaker foot against arguably the best goalkeeper in the world isn’t something to be sniffed at.