10 things you need to know about Raheem Sterling

By Mirror Football in Mirror Football Blog

Published 11:06 10/11/09

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Liverpool have won the race to land QPR wonderkid Raheem Sterling, one of the most in-demand youngsters in the English game.

So just who is this precocious talent? Read on for the 10 things you need to know about the 15-year-old Hoops starlet...

1. He was born in Harlesden in North London in December 1993.

2. He joined Queens Park Rangers aged just 10-years-old.

3. A lightening-quick striker with good all-round ability, he has already been compared to Theo Walcott, while some coaches rate him as highly as Wayne Rooney at the same age.

4. QPR's head of development Steve Gallen says of his young protege: "He has loads of natural ability. This boy can pass, shoot, head it, score goals, tackle, defend, anything. He will be in our reserves quite soon and we will protect him from there."

5. Despite being just 14-years-old, Sterling is already a regular in QPR's under-18 side, scoring on his debut for the team in October.

6. He has also already played for England having made his debut for the Under-16 side earlier this month in the Sky Sports Victory Shield against Northern Ireland at Chester City's Deva Stadium. He came on late in the first half and provided the assist for Matthias Fanimo to score England's second in a 2-0 win.

7. His rapid rise through the football ranks could continue with QPR boss Jim Magilton considering giving him a taste of the first team when he turns 15 next month. If he does, he will become the youngest first-teamer in British football history, breaking the record of Barnsley's Reuben Noble-Lazarus who made his debut at 15 years and 45 days last season.

8. Sterling has already attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs. As well as Manchester City; Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Fulham have all scouted the youngster.

9. He may already have his sights on joining one of Europe's top clubs - he and his agent were VIP guests at Anfield last month when Liverpool took on Manchester United.

10. Steve Gallen is confident QPR can keep hold of their prized asset. He said: "I'm not one bit bothered about the other clubs. QPR are a big club and at no stage has he said he wants to go.

"He's not interested in all the stuff around him - whether it's in the street, the car park or wherever; he just wants to play football all the time.

"It is a big ambition of his to represent England. I'm just really pleased he can do that while playing for QPR."