Former Toon Boss Hits Out At Use Of Raheem Sterling

Last updated : 27 October 2014 By Footy Mad - Editor

Former Newcastle manager Graeme Souness says the 19-year-old has been the best player at Anfield this season ... but far too much is expected of him.

Captain Steven Gerrard is looking his age these days.

Yes he can still plant a ball on a team-mate's head 50 yards away, but he is expected to play 90 minutes these days, when 60 is more realistic.

The space he covers in midfield is shrinking. His legs are going and it is Sterling who will replace him, sooner rather than later.

But that is part of the problem for the Liverpool boss, the question is ... who has the bottle to drop a Scouse legend?

It was the same at the end of Alan Shearer's career at Newcastle. Take him off and the boss gets the Shearer stare that can turn you to stone.

Graeme Souness (talking to the Liverpool Echo): "It is true (Liverpool) are placing a lot of responsibility on him but the same can be said of England and if they are relying on a 19-year-old kid then I think it does not reflect well on England's group.

"They (Liverpool) are conceding bad goals now and if you are doing that it drains confidence and they must be at that point now.

"It is not about what type of football you are trying to play; you can play the football you want but if you are conceding poor goals it drains confidence.

"Liverpool have to get back to stop giving away daft goals - especially at set-pieces - and then start again and rebuild confidence.

"From where they were last year to where they are now they are a team playing without great confidence.

"It is not just about back four and goalkeeper; if your midfield is working hard to stop quality balls being played into your back four the defence has a far better chance to deal with the crosses.

"But they are not putting the ball under pressure and the guy is able to cross it."

than anyone else at the club but he needs people either side of him as they are a little bit light in there."