Rodgers impressed with Sterling’s Man City showing

Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said he is unsurprised by Raheem Sterling’s growing success at Manchester City.

Rodgers managed Sterling during his stint at Anfield, often speaking highly of the midfielder despite criticism the youngster has sometimes faced both at club and international level.

But Sterling has looked rejuvenated under the management of Pep Guardiola, scoring four goals in the Premier League so far this season – showing the potential of his £49million price tag.

That included scoring twice against West Ham earlier in the season, while a strike against Rodgers’ Celtic – cancelling out his own goal earlier in the game – was his third goal in successive games.

“He has this incredible and unique power and strength,” said Rodgers, whose Celtic side got a 3-3 draw with the Premier League leaders in the Champions League.

“A lot of it is in his head – that’s why I know he’ll be alright in the end – but his actual physicality is immense for such a slight boy.

“He was someone so wispy, slight and fast but his strength is tremendous.”

“I’ve seen many examples of it in training, to the point where the defenders wouldn’t get so close to him. Martin Skrtel is a big guy but he would tell you.

“Raheem would arm then off with incredible strength. If you ask Kolo Toure, he’ll tell you the same thing.”