Brendan Rodgers: Raheem Sterling Developing By Playing Many Positions

Raheem Sterling is uncomfortable playing out of position, but Brendan Rodgers believes it will help him in the long run.

Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo on Thursday that Sterling’s versatility helps Liverpool in the present, and he’ll reap the benefits of playing a number of positions in the future.

The 20-year-old has played wing-back in Liverpool’s last four games, as Rodgers sought to fit his key players into the lineup. Sterling told the BBC on Wednesday that his game is best suited for one of the attacking roles. Rodgers downplayed Sterling’s gripe before saying shifting around will help him develop into a well-rounded player, like it did for Steven Gerrard during his lengthy Liverpool career.

“Every player will have a favorite position, but every player will have to play where the team needs them,” Rodgers said. “He’s a young player who is developing from playing in different roles. That’s been great for him in his career.

“I think Raheem will look to players like Steven Gerrard. He has played at full-back, he has played as a wing-back, he has played in central midfield, he has played out wide, he has played as a No. 10 and he has played as a striker. Steven has never ever moaned. He has always done what’s best for the team.”

Rodgers appreciates Sterling’s ability to play multiple positions, but the team’s immediate needs come before any player’s long-term goals.

“The value Raheem has as a player is based around that versatility,” Rodgers continued. “He has shown that during his time in the first-team squad and that’s what I’ll always look for in players. I know Raheem’s best position and I know other players’ best positions. But I will always pick what’s the best team.”

Sterling told the BBC he’s a team player and willing to whatever job the manager asks him to do. In this case, Sterling has no choice but to trust Rodgers to do what he believes is best for him and Liverpool.