Liverpool’s Phillipe Coutinho has said that Raheem Sterling will be one of the stars of the Anfield club’s European campaign, with the club set to take part in the Champions League for the first time in since 2009 this week, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
Brendan Rodgers leads his troops into the competition for the first time as a manager, with the Reds hosting Ludogorets at Anfield this week.
The club also face a milestone, with this week being the 50th anniversary of the first time that the club ever hosted a European tie, during the glory days of the 1960s.
Sterling has started the new season in stunning form, although he was started on the bench for Liverpool’s 1-0 loss against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday. Manager Rodgers is fearful that the youngster could suffer burnout if he is overused because of his immense talent.
Coutinho, however, has backed him to perform on Europe’s grandest stage.
“It is likely that Raheem Sterling will be one of the stars in Europe for Liverpool,” said Coutinho.
“Raheem is having a very good time at the moment and is in very good shape, so I believe he will do well this season. Like me, Raheem wants to attack defenders, but the difference between us is that he is very, very fast. I definitely don’t have the speed to catch Raheem!
“I am not surprised at all by his performances. We are training together every day and I know his potential.”
