Owen: Why Sterling makes my season XI
Nobody understands the unique challenge of bursting onto the scene at the highest level of football better than former Liverpool forward Michael Owen.
The Englishman was just 17 years of age when he made his debut for the Reds at Wimbledon, where the striker was introduced as a second-half substitute and scored 16 minutes later.
Blessed with lightning pace and a natural gift for finishing, Owen was an immediate success despite the expectations placed on him and travelled to the World Cup with England in 1998.
In France, the teenager was on target for his country twice, including an iconic searing dribble around numerous defenders and unerring conversion against Argentina.
These days at Anfield, there is another young man rising to prominence with each passing week and playing his way into contention for a spot at the latest summer showpiece tournament.
Raheem Sterling's brace past Norwich City last weekend clocked up double figures for the No.31 this season, with his form earning significant recognition for both his club and the Three Lions.
Brendan Rodgers ranks the 19-year-old alongside any of his peers in Europe, while Owen believes the England international's innate speed and ability deserve a berth in Roy Hodgson's squad for Brazil.
"He's definitely going to get into the squad; it's a question of whether he's in the starting XI or not," the retired ex-Red told Liverpoolfc.com.
"In a World Cup, in any game of football, you need players up front that have got pace. If you haven't got pace anywhere in your team, then you have to have some outstanding talent - passers of the ball, movement and guile.
"If you've just got raw pace, it opens up so many more avenues. He has developed into an outstanding player this season. He had time to find his feet, and now he's found them and he's one of the key players in the title push this year.
"I actually put him in my team of the year ahead of the likes of [Eden] Hazard and [David] Silva at Manchester City, and other players like that. That's how highly I rate him.
"Pace is so important; if you've got a football brain to go along with that pace, it's a lethal combination. He has consistently played well."
Owen was speaking directly from the Reds' home ground, having returned to Merseyside on Monday to participate in the 'Celebration of the 96' charity match.
The pundit was part of the local legends group that played out an entertaining 2-2 draw on a day when funds were raised and the 96 fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough were remembered.
A decade has now passed since the clinical front-man departed Liverpool to join Real Madrid, but he keeps a close watch on his old club and has been delighted with their surge to the Barclays Premier League summit.
On their progression to top spot, Owen added: "That trio up front - [Luis] Suarez, [Daniel] Sturridge and Sterling - have just caused havoc all season long.
"[Jordan] Henderson has had a great season, Steven Gerrard has been magnificent. But those three have torn opponents to shreds at times this season.
"They have outscored everyone, and that's the pleasing thing from Liverpool's point of view; they haven't won by defending and nicking 1-0s - they have actually gone and blitzed teams, especially at Anfield. It's so pleasing to see.
"I've got loads of mates that are season ticket holders, and win, lose or draw in the title race, they are just pleased that they come to Anfield and are so excited to watch the game. That's a testament to Brendan Rodgers and the lads."