RAHEEM: I’D BE KING OF KOP AGAIN
RAHEEM STERLING has expressed his undying love for Liverpool — and has not ruled out a return to Anfield.
In a Q&A on the Instagram account of Colossal Sports Management, the agency that looks after his affairs, Manchester City star Sterling was asked if he would return to Liverpool one day. He replied: “To be honest with you, I love Liverpool. They are always in my heart. They did a lot for me growing up, so…” Sterling (left) said he would pick England’s former midfield trio of Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard over Spanish stars Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso. He added: “Iniesta, Xavi and Alonso are unbelievable players but Gerrard, Lampard and Scholes…frightening.”
IN my search for the top 10 midfielders in the Premier League, I wasn’t just looking for skills, goals and assists.
They are a big part of it, but not the whole picture. I was looking for extra, stand-out qualities.
The obvious choices this season were Jordan Henderson and Kevin De Bruyne, experienced players with two teams right at the top.
Fred, Jack Grealish, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are all in teams which have been under lots of scrutiny but have still performed week in, week out.
Others you couldn’t ignore include John Lundstram, for instance, because of his journey through the leagues.
These guys their teams. all bring so much to
Players of the season JORDAN HENDERSON
(Liverpool)
What a season he has had. Magnificent. He has every facet required to play the holding or creative role.
When Fabinho got injured, Jordan just sat in there and bossed it. It has been the best season by a mile for a player who was once an Anfield scapegoat. He will go down as one of their greats in a Liverpool shirt.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE (Manchester City) When he doesn’t play City miss that penetrative nature, that aggressive side to their attack. He has 16 assists and eight goals this season. You know what he is going to do, but he is still unstoppable. He is one of the world’s best players. He’s had a very good year in a team going through massive transition. Immense.
(Aston Villa) Lots of eyes on him this year – the question was could he do it in the Premier League? He has gone above and beyond. He ghosts past players and there’s a reason why he’s the most-fouled player in the league. Eight goals and seven assists is a good return. Jack (below) is battling relegation in a newlypromoted team and it is hard to shine in that environment. But when he steps onto a big stage, such as Old Trafford or Wembley, he grows and is a better player. He has to move clubs to kick on.
(Leicester City)
He has been huge for Leicester. He oozes quality and has a swagger. He takes set-pieces and is happy to receive the ball in tight areas. This season he has made another big step forward. Youngsters can improve, then go backwards a little. I had that a bit at Newcastle.
But he is driving through because of his mentality. James has continued to kick on, and I give him total credit for that.
FRED (Manchester United)
Fans may see this as a curve ball, but he has contributed massively. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has discovered who is with him this season. Nemanja Matic is back onside, while Fred (above, first right) has been a constant. The Brazilian has been through some hard times and was mocked as a £52million signing. Look at him now – he is worth every penny having settled in. He has added grit and determination to United. (Southampton)
Southampton started like a drain. But I judge them from the moment they lost 9-0 at home to Leicester. To a man they have shown they are in it together, and that scoreline won’t define them. Hojbjerg has dominated some games. He’s not glamorous, or the most beautiful around the pitch. But he has led Saints through the muck and bullets.
ADAMA TRAORE (Wolves)
Do not get in this guy’s way! Credit to both his manager Nuno Espirito Santo and the player himself for his amazing improvement. I have laughed at him in the past. He’d fly past an opponent only to kick the ball into the stand. His end product was terrible. Now, he is hurting teams with goals and quality crosses. He must have been on the training ground day after day working on his craft. Drill down into his numbers now, and they are top class. Seven assists, four goals and a whole lot of havoc created.
GINI WIJNALDUM (Liverpool) He brings everything to the table. When I watch Wijnaldum (above, right) I ask myself, who else could do that job? Nobody. And Liverpool’s midfield functions perfectly because of him. Defensively he works his socks off, he’ll receive the ball anywhere and he nicks the odd goal. He has the lot and is a major cog in the Red machine.
(Sheffield United)
Fantasy football players won’t argue with me here. We need a Sheffield United player in – and Lundstram is so effective. He has come from the lower leagues and he’s not easy on the eye but offers drive, passion, fire and goals. He is part of a major collective effort under Chris Wilder that have taken the Blades to dizzying heights.
(Manchester City) It would be a massive mistake for City to lose him in the summer. He offers something different down their right flank. He’s got big goals and has been more consistent and is now trusted by boss Pep Guardiola. He’s third in the top-flight table of goal makers with eight assists. He could still be vital for Blues in future seasons.
■ JERMAINE JENAS is an ambassador for thepools.com