10 things you need to know about Raheem Sterling plus video of him in action

By Mirror Football in Mirror Football Blog

Published 11:06 16/02/11

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Superkid Raheem Sterling could make history tomorrow night if he comes off the bench in Liverpool's Europa League match with Sparta Prague.

At just 16 years and 79 days he would become the Reds' youngest-ever first team player.

So just who is this precocious talent? Read on...

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 lightning-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 said of his young protege: "He has loads of natural ability. This boy can pass, shoot, head it, score goals, tackle, defend, anything." Have a look at his frankly unbelievable tekkers here

5) When he was just 14, Sterling was already a regular in QPR's under-18 side and even scored on his debut for the team.

6) He has also already played for England, having made his debut for the Under-16 side in 2009 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) Before Liverpool swooped for Sterling, a host of other Premier League sides were jostling for his signature including Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Fulham. But it was the Reds who got there first, signing him for an initial £600,000 in early 2010 after the club wooed him by taking him and his agent as VIP guests at Anfield for a Liverpool vs Manchester United match.

8) He made a great start to his Anfield career by scoring on his debut for the Under 18s against city rivals Everton in a thrilling game. Liverpool's youngsters came from two down to eventually beat the Blues 4-3.

9) His academy boss was quick to praise the youngster. "I was pleased with Raheem's contribution and that he scored on his debut,' said Rodolfo Borrell, the former Barcelona coach. "He is quick and skilful but still only young. He can improve tactically and has a long way to go, but he is a great signing for this football club." Here are his highlights so far...

10) Sterling has earned his place in the first team squad for the Europa League tie against Sparta Prague, after impressing Reds boss Kenny Dalglish in a 9-0 win over Southend in the FA Youth Cup on Monday, during  which he grabbed five goals. Check out this video to see him wipe out the Seasiders...

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