Steven: Sterling has ability to reach top
Steven Gerrard believes Raheem Sterling's decisive brace at Bournemouth in midweek is the perfect example of the Liverpool forward's 'potential to be top drawer' at the club.
The 20-year-old was fielded as the central attacker in Brendan Rodgers' system at the Goldsands Stadium on Wednesday night and produced a ruthless performance to inspire a 3-1 win.
His movement was pivotal to the opening goal as he teed up Lazar Markovic on the left side, spun into the area and met Jordan Henderson's assist from the opposite flank with a headed finish.
After providing a focal point for his colleagues to work from throughout the quarter-final tie, Sterling then grabbed a deserved second by collecting Adam Lallana's pass, twisting and scoring.
"I think Raheem can play anywhere along the front, he's that intelligent," said his captain, Gerrard. "You've got to be able to have that in your locker if you want to be top drawer.
"He took a lot of stick after the weekend but I thought his all-round performance was magnificent, the only thing that was missing against Manchester United was a finish and that came against Bournemouth.
"I hope he signs a new contract at the club because I think this club is perfect for him. He's going to play most weeks, the fans love him here. He can progress here and become a top, top player here.
"Raheem's got the potential to be top drawer, for sure. He's got to keep learning, he's got to keep wanting it. He's great to watch and great to play with, he's got that pace.
"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."