In today's instalment of future Ballon D'Or winners, we take a look at Liverpool's teenage sensation, Raheem Sterling.
Sterling broke into the Liverpool first team back in the 2011/12 season, at the age of 16. However, he only managed to play a total of 25 minutes that season.
He really grew into his role at the club at the beginning of last season, when he really started to show off incredible pace and combined well with Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez in Liverpool's attack. In his 33 appearances last season, Sterling scored nine goals and made five assists as part of the team which surpassed the 100 goal mark by the end of the season, finishing runners-up to Manchester City.
This season, Sterling has only gotten better and appears to be relishing his role as Liverpool's main man, following Luis Suarez's departure and Daniel Sturridge's injury. In six Premier League starts, Sterling has scored three goals and provided two assists. He is so good that it's hard to believe he's still only 19-years-old!
Many, including Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, have made comparisons between Sterling and four-time Ballon D'Or winner, Lionel Messi. Given their small stature and similar playing styles, the comparisons don't seem far-fetched…
So, if Sterling is able to live up to his promises and can take his place in leading the way with a new, promising generation of English footballers, and if he can make an impact in the Premier League, and perhaps around Europe (Real Madrid are reportedly interested in him), then I would certainly say that Raheem Sterling would be a candidate for the Ballon D'Or in the near future.
Do you think Raheem Sterling can win the Ballon D'Or?