Former Liverpool and Ireland midfielder Ray Houghton has questioned the wisdom of allowing Raheem Sterling a mid-season break when he is evidently so important to Liverpool's chances. The winger, who is reported to be at odds with the club over a contract extension, has been afforded time off by manager Brendan Rodgers following the draw with Leicester last week. That meant he missed the FA Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon and now also misses today's game away at Sunderland.
Sterling has used the opportunity to go on a holiday to Jamaica, however, coupled with Adam Lallana's injury, that has left Liverpool's options rather short with Brendan Rodgers choosing to start the previously marginalised Fabio Borini.
Confirmed #LFC team to face @SunderlandAFC: Mignolet, Can, Skrtel, Sakho, Henderson, Moreno, Lucas, Gerrard, Markovic, Coutinho, Borini.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 10, 2015
Confirmed #LFC substitutes against @SunderlandAFC: Ward, Enrique, Lovren, Lambert, Manquillo, Balotelli, Rossiter.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 10, 2015
Speaking on Talksport this morning, Houghton attempted to compare the squad depths of the Liverpool team of the present to that of the mid 70's and 80's when the club was at the height of their success.
Liverpool won the league one year with 14 players. They played 42 games with 14 players.
I know there is sports science involved now and you try to look after the players the best you can, because it is about longevity, but the likes of Phil Neal, Alan Hansen, Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, who played that season, had long careers. They didn’t have a break.
I just don’t get it. Personally, I think players want to play rather than to be left out of the side.
For the last six, seven weeks, Sterling has been the shining light for Liverpool, he has been absolutely brilliant, and I think he is a huge loss when he is out. He is a game-changer and personally, as a Liverpool fan, I would love to see him in the team.
Yesterday, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo that the mid-season break will benefit Sterling, and ultimately Liverpool, in the long run.
He’s a young player and you have got to look after the needs of the player and ultimately the team and the club.
It was always in the plan. If we’re going to maximise what we can get out of him then he needs that bit of recovery time.
