Sterling's the next poster boy

Given that Liverpool will have a vacancy for the role of global superstar at the end of the season, Raheem Sterling's timing is impeccable.

As Steven Gerrard continues his farewell tour ahead of his summer move to the US, the search for his successor as the face of Anfield can be abandoned. Sterling will not be the next Liverpool captain, but he will be the man filling the void as chief talisman - the poster boy for the next generation on Merseyside.

It will not just be his manager, teammates and supporters who will be cherishing Sterling once Gerrard has gone, but also savvy commercial executives and sponsors who recognise that a generous sprinkling of stardust is fundamental at any club of stature.

Still only 20, the England winger has not only embraced the responsibilities thrust upon him this season but has thrived. When Liverpool's form dipped alarmingly in the post-Luis Suárez wreckage of autumn, Sterling offered hope.

The club's recent revival is in part a consequence of his ability to shift positions, with his performance and solo goal as a lone attacker against Chelsea's streetwise defence arguably his most mature to date given the calibre of the opponent.

"It is a role that I am learning about," Sterling said. "You have to adapt to different positions and that is something that I am keen on doing. When I get in front of goal sometimes I get a bit excited thinking I have done it all, but it is about keeping focus now and trying to get my game to the next level and try and chip in with more assists and more goals.

"I have a personal goals target but I don't want to share that in case I don't reach it. I always set myself goals and standards that I want to meet and that is no different this season."

It is the speed of Sterling's evolution that is as impressive as his natural ability. A little over a year ago he could not get into the Liverpool team and there was concern he had been over-hyped. Such fears were rapidly extinguished once he was recalled, and Brendan Rodgers must be credited for his guidance.

Liverpool believe negotiations over Sterling's new deal are entering their final stages. Gerrard's impending exit has served only to improve the youngster's bargaining position, although his conduct on and off the pitch is not that of a player issuing demands for a higher salary and rank. Quite the contrary.

"We are a team," he said. "I am not trying to pick up a 'main man status' this season. As long as the team wins and we get good performances, that is all that matters to me."

Sterling has five months left alongside Gerrard and should heed every word of advice.

There will be a ceremonial passing of the baton from the captain in May. - ©The Daily Telegraph, London