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Brendan Rodgers says Raheem Sterling’s breathtaking pre-season form for Liverpool FC has reminded him of Barcelona great Lionel Messi.

The exciting 19-year-old winger will go into Sunday’s Premier League opener with Southampton at Anfield on a high after shining throughout the club’s schedule of friendlies.

Sterling made a huge contribution in the second half of last term – scoring 10 goals in 38 games in all competitions – as he forced his way into the England side for the World Cup finals in Brazil.

And the Reds boss believes the teenager is ready to improve on that tally and play a starring role in another title challenge.

“Something we said to Raheem when he first broke into the team and something we’ve reiterated is that you have to have an identity as a player,” Rodgers said.

“His identity is he has to score goals and create goals. That’s what the job is. He scored 10 goals last year and this kid is only going to get better.

“When you look at the finish against Manchester City in New York, how many times have we seen Messi produce a touch like that? Taking it through bodies when it’s so tight in the box.

“Raheem’s feet were so soft and his finish was great, as was the one which was disallowed for offside just after.

“The great thing with watching him now is that he gets you off your seat. When he gets the ball you think ‘something could happen here’.”

Sterling was the Reds’ outstanding performer during the International Champions Cup in America as he scored against both Olympiacos and Man City before running Manchester United ragged in the final.

Bizarrely, he was denied the man of the match awards because under US law the fact that the tournament was sponsored by Guinness meant no-one under the age of 21 was eligible.

But Rodgers says the matches in the States highlighted how wary opponents now are about the gifted youngster, who has shown that he’s equally at home out wide or in a central role.

“There was a moment in the game against City when he got the ball on the left hand side,” Rodgers said.

“He had Gael Clichy coming to press him, he had Jesus Navas coming back to press him and a midfield player coming across to try to block the space on the inside.

“For teams to have that fear of him as a young player shows his development. There is still work for him to do, but he knows that and is a really good boy who is developing.

“When you’re so young, it’s important to understand exactly what your role is. Not just look good, you have to be efficient and effective.

“His development has gone to a new level. He’s way above the level from when he first came in both tactically and technically.

“And what has been beautiful to watch with Raheem has been his maturity. He’s turning into a beautiful young man.

“He’s taking it all in his stride and now he’s in a good place with every part of his game. It’s just about maintaining that commitment to his work. He’s still only 19, but in big games he’s performed and he’s a wonderful talent.”