Having been handed the chance to showcase his talents by Brendan Rodgers last season, Raheem Sterling has become a key member of the Reds starting XI this term, making 21 league appearances, 15 of which have been starts. Alongside Luis Suárez and Daniel Sturridge in the attack, the 19-year-old has come on leaps and bounds as Liverpool look to secure a top 4 finish.
Bagging a brace against Arsenal in Saturday’s 5-1 win took his Premier League tally for the season to 5, with another 2 assists to his name thus far. In a World Cup year, Sterling is coming into form at just the right time as he looks to force his way into Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad for Brazil 2014.
Player Focus: Europe's Top Rated TeenagersThe winger is currently averaging 2.6 dribbles per game, accumulating a matching WhoScored strength in turn, with his figure bettered only by Suárez (2.9) of every Liverpool player. Such is his ability with the ball that Sterling has also won the most penalties (3) in England’s top tier this term, highlighting how he’s able to draw fouls in dangerous positions for the benefit of the team. His average rating of 7.31 emphasises how key he has been in the Reds’ pursuit of a return to the Champions League.
(6 assists actually but whatever)
Despite Sassuolo’s lowly position in Serie A, striker Domenico Berardi has adjusted to the rigours of Italy’s top tier with ease. Only Giuseppe Rossi (14) and Carlos Tevéz (13) have netted more league goals than Berardi (12) this season, with supporters and pundits alike raving about the performances of the 19-year-old.
Player Focus: Europe's Top Rated TeenagersNo player has scored more clear-cut chances (9) than Berardi in the league this term, with the teenager displaying an impressive level of calmness when presented with the opportunity to net. This facet of his game will benefit his more inventive teammates, who are able to place their trust in the youngster to fire in the goals that will keep Sassuolo in Serie A.
Juventus, who currently co-own the youngster, will be justifiably excited about his arrival once the season draws to a close as they look to reassert their dominance in Europe. Berardi, as he’s displayed for Sassuolo, has the ability to contribute next season, under Antonio Conte’s guidance, and can only be expected to improve with age.