Liverpool FC: Raheem Sterling Scores a Rocket Against West Ham for Under-21s

It looks like Raheem's got his "zip" back. The question is, will the manager notice?

Raheem Sterling, the 18-year-old English winger who has broken into Liverpool's first team this season, scored a rocket of a goal Monday for the Reds' Under-21 side against West Ham. The shot, which blew past the keeper at the upper near post, came after a failed clearance by West Ham.

The goal appears in the clip above. It's our Set Piece Video of the Day for this Tuesday. Enjoy.

Sterling's strike leveled the score briefly at 1-1 in a match that finished 3-3. Sterling has scored two goals and added two assists this season in 23 Premier League appearances, 19 as a starter (stats via WhoScored.com). According to Squawka, both of those league goals came from the right side, near the edge of the box (graphic here).

His last league appearance, however, came Feb. 11, in a 2-0 home loss to West Bromwich Albion. Sterling's last appearance in any competition was Feb. 21, at home to Zenit St. Petersburg in the Europa League.

Manager Brendan Rodgers explained Sterling's sudden absences by saying the teenager was simply tired.

"That zip has gone and it's down to fatigue. Was that to be expected? Yes it was," said Rodgers (via BBC Sport).

Rodgers also said Sterling's debut season is already a success, whether or not he plays for the first team again this campaign.

"What I know is that if he never kicks a ball for the rest of the season, he has had an outstanding season," Rodgers said (via Daily Telegraph). "…He is getting to a period where he will need a rest, mentally as well as physically."

Like we said before, the evidence suggests Sterling might have rediscovered that zip. Could a first-team return be next?

(h/t 101 Great Goals)

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