Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has backed Raheem Sterling after his return from his Caribbean break.
Carragher wrote in the Daily Mail: "He was outstanding and Brendan Rodgers's decision to give him a mid-season break in Jamaica was vindicated by his performance. Plenty of comment was made about Rodgers giving him a holiday but it was smart management.
"The intensity with which Raheem plays means it will one day take its toll and I know from experience the effect too much football too soon had on Michael Owen.
"Like Michael, Raheem has become Liverpool's most important player at 20 years of age and he needs protection."
