Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling Wins European Golden Boy Award

Over the past year, Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling has wowed fans with his impressive development and performances. Sterling’s scintillating form has led the 20-year-old to be awarded with the prestigious European Golden Boy Award.

Raheem Sterling has joined a prestigious list of players, such as Messi, Aguero, Fabregas, and fellow Liverpool teammate Mario Balotelli, to have won the honor.

The European Golden Boy Award is awarded to the best player under the age of 21 in a top-flight league in Europe, and is voted on by journalists from across the continent.

Sterling was the pick of the nominees, beating the likes of Luke Shaw, Marquinhos, Kurt Zouma and fellow Liverpool teammate Lazar Markovic and future Liverpool forward Divock Origi.

Raheem Sterling becomes the first Liverpool player to win the illustrious award and the second Englishman, with current English captain Wayne Rooney bagging the award in 2004.

“It’s a great achievement to win such an award. It’s a really happy feeling for me and my family, of course. Something I’ve always wanted to do is to work hard playing football and try to be recognised. I’m really grateful that people have shown me this recognition.”

Raheem continued, “It’s down to hard work. I’m really happy that people are recognising that I’m trying to work hard and do my best for this football club. I’m really grateful for this award.”

Liverpool and Raheem Sterling have been negotiating to extend his contract beyond the two years on his current deal. However, like Steven Gerrard, the current breakdown in talks have led to speculation about a move away from Anfield.

Liverpool face Arsenal on Sunday, and the Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, spoke of his admiration of young Raheem Sterling. Despite speculation, Sterling is expected to start upfront against Arsenal after a brace against Bournemouth.

“I rate him highly, Sterling. Everybody speaks about Suárez last year, but let’s not forget Sturridge and Sterling are very, very influential. I think he is one of the great players in England.”

Currently, Liverpool sit in the bottom half of the Barclays Premier League table at 11th with Sterling as their top goal scorer. Liverpool will be hopeful that they can replicate the fast start that led to a comfortable 5-1 victory against the Gunners.

Raheem Sterling was very influential in that epic match at Anfield earlier this year, and his efforts throughout year have earned him the illustrious European Golden Boy Award. However, his Liverpool future is still uncertain with ongoing contract negotiation dragging on.

Should Raheem Sterling continue his fledgling career at Liverpool?

[Images via Liverpoolfc.tv & The Daily Mirror]