From the age of 14, Sterling was tipped for the top as the QPR youngster was featured on the front of a national newspaper in Jamaica that insisted he had "dazzled the English football world with his prodigious talent".

Sterling was tracked by several other clubs when on QPR's books and was snapped up by Liverpool in 2010 for a fee of around £600,000 which could rise to £5million depending on appearances. Immediately starring in the FA Youth Cup, he netted five goals in a game against Southend in February 2011.

He didn't have to wait long for his full debut and on March 24, 2012, Sterling arrived as a substitute in a league match against Wigan Athletic aged 17 years and 107 days, becoming the second-youngest player ever to play for Liverpool.

Making himself an important squad player, he was called up to the senior England squad soon after - he had already represented his country at every level from Under-16 upwards - and he signed a new long-term contract in late 2012.

Strengths: Speed and skill on the ball, he keeps his head up when the ball is at his feet and has good vision.

Weaknesses: Not the strongest of players he can be bullied off the ball and is also a tad impetuous.

Career high: Called up to the England squad for the Ukraine game in September 2012.

Career low: In the 2012-13 pre-season tour of America, Rodgers was filmed berating Sterling, saying that he would "be on the next plane home" if he did not improve his work and attitude.

Style: Technical, creative, an attacking force on the flanks and a composed youngster.

Quote: "The idea of a young player making his debut in a game like that is phenomenal but to have to play against a system you are not used to - well, that is difficult. He was playing against Kolo Toure; he had to know when to stay and when to press. But one of the biggest things that has come out has been his ability to learn. If he continues in that vein, he will have a terrific career." Brendan Rodgers on Sterling's debut against Man City, September 2012

Trivia: A father at 17, Sterling has a daughter named Melody Rose.