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'Liverpool is perfect for him' - Gerrard urges Sterling to sign new deal

The youngster was back to his best against Bournemouth and his captain believes the chance to keep playing regular football at the highest level is too good to turn down.

STEVEN GERRARD HAS urged Raheem Sterling to sign a new contract at Liverpool, claiming the club is “perfect for him” if he is develop into a top-class player.

The winger has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich reportedly interested, though the 20-year-old is wary of committing his long-term future to the club while there is uncertainty over Rodgers’ position.

But Gerrard is hopeful his former England team-mate will put pen to paper on a new deal soon, with the promise of regular football set to help him reach the next level.

“I hope he signs a new contract at the club because I think this club is perfect for him, certainly for the next few years,” he told reporters.

“He’s going to play most weeks, the fans love him here. He can progress here and become a top, top player here so I hope the people around him give him the right advice because he should stay here.”

Gerrard feels the pace that Sterling possesses means he can prove to be a real threat in the final third, and compared him to previous Liverpool strikers Fernando Torres and Michael Owen due to their similar assets.

“He’s great to watch, great to play with, he’s got that pace,” he added. “When you look up he’s always giving you an option and that’s what I’ve thrived on throughout my career at Liverpool with the likes of Fernando Torres and Michael Owen.

“There’s nothing better as a midfielder when you look up and see pace running in behind. I saw it on numerous occasions [against Bournemouth] and hopefully it will continue because it stretches teams and creates chances.”

Sterling’s suitability for a central role was questioned after he was denied on three occasions by David de Gea against Manchester United, but Gerrard believes he has the clinical edge required to play as a striker.

“You’ve got to be able to have that [versatility] in your locker if you want to be top drawer. Raheem’s got potential to be top drawer for sure,” he explained.

“He took a lot of stick after the weekend [the loss to Manchester United] but I thought his all-round performance was magnificent, the only thing that was missing was a finish and that came [against Bournemouth].

“The exciting thing for all of us is that he’s English and going to be a top, top player. I think he can play anywhere along the front, he’s that intelligent. He’s got to keep learning, he’s got to keep wanting it.”

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55 Comments
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    Mute dabuyincojen
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    Dec 19th 2014, 9:31 AM

    Gerrard is correct. Sterling is too young to leave. If he leaves now and goes to bayern or Madrid and doesn’t make it, that could knock his confidence. He should stay at Anfield for a few more seasons and get better. YNWA

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    Mute Alex Olsen
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    Dec 19th 2014, 9:40 AM

    signing off YNWA? really?

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    Mute Anthony Connery
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    Dec 19th 2014, 9:46 AM

    Do you actually think Madrid or Bayern would sign him? Not trying to take the piss, but seeing as he’s English means Liverpool would prob want 30-40 million for him so can’t see them paying that.

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    Mute Gerry Ivie
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    Dec 19th 2014, 10:07 AM

    He ll want to move to a big club and not end up like Gerrard… Bitter and broken from never winning a title ( Giggs has THIRTEEN) .

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    Mute Derek Mahon
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    Dec 19th 2014, 10:09 AM

    Although if they wait a few years, his price could rise significantly. I still don’t think they’d sign him because they really don’t need him, and he’s still a raw talent which needs developing. I pray that he stays though, he’s our only decent forward in the side at the moment.

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    Mute Peter Pan
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    Dec 19th 2014, 10:33 AM

    Shows what you know Anthony, they would pay that for his marketability alone. When Madrid signed McManaman they were amazed at the size of the UK Market and went on so sign several UK players as you know.

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    Mute Peter Pan
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    Dec 19th 2014, 10:36 AM

    Ah Gerry, that old chest nut peddaled out by United fans.

    Sure Totti only has one Seria A title and no Champions League, surely you are not saying that Giggs is a better player than him?

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    Mute Keano
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    Dec 19th 2014, 10:39 AM

    He’s not saying Giggs is better than anyone…….just stating facts

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    Mute Paul Dunne
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    Dec 19th 2014, 10:57 AM

    hook line and sinker as usual.

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    Mute Peter Pan
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:00 AM

    Followed by a sarcastic one liner by Paul…..

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    Mute Anthony Connery
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:09 AM

    Ya and signing Owen & woodgate were at great success. And you can’t compare sterling & beckham cos he’s the most famous footballer in the last 20 years. How many shirts do you tink sterling would sell?? That’s all I know peter

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    Mute Peter Pan
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:20 AM

    Michael Owen was a success there, he didn’t play that much but scored goals when ever he came on. Madrid were a circus back then and he didn’t get a decent chance. Woodgate was just a sick note.

    I don’t know how many jerseys they would sell but it’s also about t.v. The more UK players in Spain means more UK interest and money and sponsorship.

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    Mute Anthony Connery
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:25 AM

    He was there for one season and scored 13 goals and that’s a success? And millions of people ain’t going to tune into to La Liga to watch sterling sit on the bench for Madrid.

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    Mute Peter Pan
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:44 AM

    You are assuming that we are talking about a rational club Anthony…. we are talking about a club who would to pay the world record transfer fee just so they can be the ones to hold it.

    They have a track record of paying huge fees young players like for Isco, Verane and Morata.

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    Mute Anthony Connery
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:51 AM

    Fair point, do rate him as a player though. He’s only 20 and if he keeps progressing who knows… Anyways, I’m an arsenal fan so hope he plays shit at the weekend….

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Dec 19th 2014, 12:20 PM

    Thirteen medals or 13 others wives? Or both…. thats impressive…

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    Mute Gerry Ivie
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    Dec 19th 2014, 1:10 PM

    Change the record Graham. That’s stale and boring at this stage.

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Dec 19th 2014, 2:20 PM

    Change the record Gerry, was only responding to your Giggs has 13 heard it a million times, stale and boring reference…..

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    Mute Ben Giles
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    Dec 19th 2014, 2:28 PM

    Think before you type Gerry.Walked into that.

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    Mute Gerry Ivie
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    Dec 19th 2014, 3:44 PM

    I only said it coz its a fact… Written in stone and in the record books forever.. Just like its in indisputable fact that fat boy Gerrard will retire without the medal he wants most. I don’t see him kissing cameras these days.

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    Mute Ben Giles
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    Dec 19th 2014, 4:23 PM

    Better than kissing his brothers wife….

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Dec 19th 2014, 5:20 PM

    Gerry… learn to accept it…. I am not arguing Achievements… Giggs has it… but choose your battles….

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    Mute Gerry Ivie
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    Dec 19th 2014, 6:09 PM

    Choose my battles Graham? Are u implying it would be foolish of me to cross intellectual swords with u ?

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    Mute Ben Giles
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    Dec 19th 2014, 6:17 PM

    You’ve all ready proven that….

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Dec 19th 2014, 7:24 PM

    No, was simply suggesting when not to look like an ass… Your being smart…. Throwing the word fact in your comment suggests more that you were being a clown…. I am finished with this…. Well said Ben.

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    Mute Gerry Ivie
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    Dec 19th 2014, 7:37 PM

    Definitely a stereotypical Liverpool supporter. Sad and bitter and a sore loser. I remember u last season and countless other fans of that horrible club sneering and jeering at Man U and Moyes. Now that ur lot has reverted to type by struggling again Youre sensitive and touchy but I’m glad ur finished for the night. I’m off out now for xmas drinks and cheer and going to have a good laugh at Pool friends of mine. I won’t wish u a Happy Christmas coz it clearly won’t be!

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Dec 19th 2014, 7:57 PM

    Whatever, I have been here for the last few years, when it was good, when it was bad….. I have hardly seen you till last few weeks….. Do not think I saw you at all last season….. An obvious cheer only when we win fan…. Good luck, commiserations to your ‘pool friend, though I would guess its just some guy at your local, who wonders why the fck this guy comes up to me…. Merry Christmas ya miserable bastid

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    Mute Gerry Ivie
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    Dec 19th 2014, 8:27 PM

    Ha ha ha what happened out there in Canada? Were u tying ur shoelaces and some Moose did the business on ur nether regions? Ha ha it’s a wonderful world…

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Dec 19th 2014, 8:49 PM

    Listen to you…. You lose it and resort to childrens play…. Wtf….. You embarrass even the losers here…..

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    Mute Ben Giles
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:19 PM

    Gerrys in meltdown …

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    Mute Davin Lynch
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    Dec 20th 2014, 3:07 AM

    That escalated quickly :/

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Dec 20th 2014, 4:22 AM

    My pleasure

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    Mute IrishGravyTrain
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:00 AM

    Heard Liverpool are building a state of the art Crèche at their training ground for his 27 kids in a bid to sign him up to a longer deal. True story.

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    Mute Dan Smith
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    Dec 19th 2014, 12:45 PM

    Oh dear. Someone’s been reading the Mirror again…

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    Mute ronan murray
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    Dec 19th 2014, 10:18 AM

    Are people serious about him. He’s English that’s it. Will never be world class. Real Madrid wouldn’t touch him with a barge pole. 40m. Ha ha. has pace and a bit of skill but no football brain what so ever

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    Mute Rory Mcloughlin
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    Dec 19th 2014, 10:37 AM

    Hes been found out. A nothing player.

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    Mute Peter Pan
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    Dec 19th 2014, 10:49 AM

    I love how UNited fans are so tribal that they will rubbish a young player just because they play for Liverpool. The guy is only 20 and obviously not a nothing player.

    Why don’t you think with your head instead of being a fool.

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    Mute Keano
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    Dec 19th 2014, 10:52 AM

    Rory, are you a United fan?

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    Mute Kieran Canavan
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    Dec 19th 2014, 10:54 AM

    He’s just turned 20, has scored 5 goals and 4 assist in a struggling liverpool team this year and hes a nothing player? You must be having a laugh

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    Mute Rory Mcloughlin
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    Dec 19th 2014, 10:55 AM

    I am, and I rate Sterling fairly high. I was making a joke of the stupid qoute by dunphy about Gerrard, but applying it to Sterling.

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    Mute Peter Pan
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    Dec 19th 2014, 10:57 AM

    We don’t do sarcasm on the score Rory.

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    Mute Maurice Dancer
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    Dec 19th 2014, 1:21 PM

    The assumption that it is only United supporters that rubbish Liverpool is funny. Everyone thinks you are deluded fools and I suppose next year will be your year eh? Spoofer Rodgers and merry team of mediocrity has been found out.

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    Mute BAZINGA !
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:37 AM

    Gerrard is right , he should stay at Liverpool, a mid table player for a mid table club sounds about right

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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:53 AM

    One decent enough season and he is the next big thing and turning down €70,000 plus deals? Madness. If he doing it consistently for a few seasons and scoring regularly too then there can be talk of moving to a bigger club and £70,000 a week contracts.

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    Mute Cornelius Collins
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    Dec 19th 2014, 6:17 PM

    Hope with all these games he will be playing he won’t be too tired to get to the bank to take out his money. Liverpool should be careful here. Give him big money on the back of one good season then what happens when he gets injured? already have sturridge stuck forever in the treatment room pulling down a massive wage. Player of his pace bad hamstring injury you could end up with another crock on your hands.

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    Mute hard yaka
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    Dec 19th 2014, 12:02 PM

    A good player but if I was spending 40 million on young talent he wouldnt be in my top 5. Pogba goetze isco barkley and varane all light years ahead of him in the same age bracket. Not to mention neymar but he is unbuyable. Sterling not as good as any of the above. Barkley will be one of the greatest midfielders to ever play in the premier league by the time he retires. If he could keep injury free you couldn’t go wrong with 40 mill spent there.

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    Mute Maurice Dancer
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:13 AM

    He’ll never be world class. It’s laughable to suggest it. Headless chicken comes to mind. Delusional pool supporters

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    Mute Peter Pan
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:23 AM

    Next time you are using the old Crystal ball can you get me next week’s lotto numbers?

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    Mute Eoin Hurley
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:39 AM

    Headless chicken? He carved united open a few times last Sunday easily enough. His main issue is that his left leg is about as sturdy as a wet weetabix

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    Mute Peter Pan
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:48 AM

    To be fair that’s no big deal these days.

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    Mute 10times
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    Dec 19th 2014, 11:41 AM

    Sterling isn’t anywhere near a world class player, he had one good season and now they think he is worth a fortune. 2 goals against Bournemouth yet 3 days before he couldn’t score against United.
    He should learn from Gerards mistakes and leave in fairness.

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Dec 19th 2014, 12:18 PM

    What was Gerards mistake? A one club player, not a bad thing. He may not have won the league, but he did win almost everything else….

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    Mute 10times
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    Dec 19th 2014, 1:43 PM

    He should have gone in all honestly Graham, if he went to Chelsea when he had the chance he would have a lot more of a haul. One club is great and all that, but if you want to win you have to move.

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Dec 19th 2014, 2:22 PM

    Other circumstances may have held Liverpool back, terrible running of the club. Yes, it would be nice to see him win more, but his heart was Liverpool, cannot fault the guy. Chelsea are only as good as long as Roman is around….. you cannot win heritage….

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    Mute Maurice Dancer
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    Dec 19th 2014, 1:18 PM

    Oh wow. He ran rings around the United defence. That’s nothing to be writing home about. What people will remember is how he bottled it. He wouldn’t finish his dinner. Overrated waster.

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