The Improvements Raheem Sterling Must Make to Become a Liverpool Regular

In the 20 Premier League games Liverpool played in the 2012/13 season before the New Year, teenager Raheem Sterling started 17 of them.

Following the arrivals of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho in January, the England winger made just two Premier League appearances, both from the bench.

This season, the 18 year-old has made just one Premier League start, at home to Crystal Palace—a match where he struggled to make an impression as an auxiliary wing-back in the absence of Glen Johnson.

It would be easy to suggest that something has "gone wrong" in Sterling's development, but in all reality that's not a true reflection.

Sterling was thrust into the side after the transfer deadline day debacle that left the Liverpool squad so short of attacking options. Once January came around, Brendan Rodgers was able to remove the reliance upon youngsters like Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom.

Sterling is now actually back on course in his development, whereas before he was ahead of the curve due to other circumstances.

Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend are this year's in vogue English talents; aged 19 and 22 respectively.

There's no need for the player himself, or Liverpool as a club, to worry about Sterling's development.

There are, though, areas in which Sterling can improve in order to ensure he continues to develop, especially given the competition from upcoming Jordon Ibe, a player in a similar position.

End Product

Despite the unfamiliar position against Palace, Sterling had numerous opportunities in wide areas of the attacking third, but his final shot or cross was poor. He had one good chance which he wildly hit into the net at the near post, rather than going across goal or even playing in a team-mate.

A young player can have all the technical attributes, but the decision-making "game intelligence" aspect is one that needs experience to grow and develop. Fortunately, Sterling has plenty of time on his side. 

Formation Problem

Another consideration in where Sterling will get his chance is the change in formation that Rodgers has implemented of late. Should the boss stick with such a shape, it's difficult to see where Sterling would fit in.

He's clearly not a wing-back, nor is he a an out-and-out centre-forward. There isn't a place for a winger or wide forward of Sterling's nature in the system.

Loan

Therefore, a sensible solution is for the player to take a loan to a club who can offer him playing time in his natural position and within a team who play a similar style to Liverpool.

This needn't be a Premier League side, indeed on the contrary. The problem with Premier League loans is that should Sterling head to a lower-table club, the pressure on results is greater and managers find it difficult to trust in young players.

A loan to a Championship side, where Sterling will be under less scrutiny and able to express himself comfortably would be a good fit.

Keeping the player nearby would make sense, so a move to a north west side such as Bolton, Blackpool, Blackburn or Wigan would work.

Rodgers' View

Correctly, Brendan Rodgers is not in a rush to force Sterling into the first-team, explaining today that the aim is to have Sterling—and fellow youngster Ibe—ready by the age of 20 or 21, not as the teenagers that they are now.

Explained Rodgers, in quotes via Sky Sports:

"

They still have a long way to go in their professional careers and at this stage we're just looking to manage that and make sure we nurture that for the future.

They understand that if you are focused and playing well, then you will play, but in the modern game it can be difficult for young players to break through.

"

Rodgers is correct to take this approach. Too often players are written off when the reality is that they were originally over-hyped and thus their expectation levels placed beyond what is reasonable.

Sterling will no doubt go on to become a fine player, but right now there should be no pressure on him to be involved in the Liverpool first-team.