Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is delighted with the development of Raheem Sterling over the past 18 months.
The England winger will be 20 on Monday, and celebrate a massive year in which he has not only become a regular for club and country, played in the World Cup and almost won a Premier League, but now become the key figure in the Reds' new-look side.
"He has taken on extra responsibility, absolutely, and kicked on. I have reiterated to him his qualities and strengths, his pace, skill, his directness - that's his game," the Anfield boss explained.
"I think you have seen him develop into a very good young footballer. He's not just someone who can run direct with the ball, he can play one-touch, he can play two-touch. He's such a threat.
"You looked at him the other night [in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Leicester] against the boy De Laet, who is a super-quick player. Raheem's pace was frightening. His runs were very good and at 19, nearly 20, I think he's shown he has gone to an extra level."
