He and Philippe Coutinho could be the icons of the future
Wednesday 4 February 2015 17:44, UK
The sooner Liverpool get Raheem Sterling to commit to the club and sign a new contract the better, says Jamie Carragher.
Sterling has been one of the Reds’ key players this season in the wake of Luis Suarez’s departure and a lengthy injury lay-off for Daniel Sturridge.
The 20-year-old still has over two years left to run on his current contract but has been linked with a possible move away from Anfield.
Losing an iconic player in Steven Gerrard at the end of the season, you have to keep the younger ones who hopefully one day could become that icon
Philippe Coutinho signed a new deal with Liverpool on Tuesday, with Sky sources indicating he has penned a contract to keep him at the club until 2020, and Sky Sports expert Carragher says it’s vital they get the issue of Sterling’s contract resolved quickly, especially with Steven Gerrard leaving at the end of the season.
“For everyone at the club, the quicker it is done and dusted the better,” said Carragher, who made 737 appearances for the Reds.
“He is a very young player and is one of the top players in English football.
“Like Coutinho, you need to keep these players at the club, because with losing an iconic player in Steven Gerrard at the end of the season, you have to keep the younger ones, who hopefully one day could become that icon.”
The winter transfer window was quiet for Liverpool, who didn’t bring in any new faces and only saw Suso and Oussama Assaidi leave to AC Milan and Al Ahli Club respectively.
Rodgers’ side were linked with moves for strikers Saido Berahino and Danny Ings throughout the window, but no deals came to fruition.
But Carragher isn’t concerned at the lack of signings and says that having Daniel Sturridge – who scored on his return against West Ham – available again is more important.
“There are always areas that you would like to strengthen, but it is a matter of whether you can get the right players in January,” he added.
“Liverpool’s problem of late is that they are not scoring the goals that their play deserves.
“But with Sturridge back now, he will play, and as they play a system of one striker, they are probably better off waiting until the end of the season.”
Carragher was speaking at an enrolment day for The Jamie Carragher Sports & Learning Academy, a vocational course aimed at 16-19-year-olds who wish to combine progression in football – either playing or coaching – with physical education, sports coaching and sports development.
