Brendan Rodgers says Raheem Sterling needs to be protected by both Liverpool and England, following his impressive performances for both club and country over the past 12 months, reports Sky Sports.
Sterling impressed for his country again over the latest international break, and is being tipped by many to be the country’s most important player over the coming years.
But Rodgers was keen to remind everyone that the attacker is still only 19 years of age, and should not be burdened with too much expectation too quickly, as has been the case with young English players in the past.
“I think he needs protection. I have seen it over the years,” Rodgers said.
“He is a wonderful talent, he is doing great for Liverpool but there are still a lot of things he needs to learn and he knows that and is a mature boy for his age.
“He has grown into a wonderful young man and his consistency and performances are there and the period he has been in the team has been exceptional
“I expect him to keep progressing but in terms of where he is at I think we need to be careful.
“You see so many players where there is a reliance on them, especially with England who, for whatever reason, tend to look for one player to put up on a pedestal and very quickly knock him down.
“Raheem will make mistakes, he will have bad games but he will also have outstanding games and it is keeping the calmness with him because he still has a way to go.
“He is certainly performing at a real high and consistent level.
“England know as well as anyone they need a team so they don’t have to focus just on Raheem.
“It has to be the team and that will always be the winner for England when they come together and they were excellent against Switzerland (in their 2-0 European Qualifier victory) as a team.”
