Raheem Sterling admits only now he feels a genuine part of Liverpool's first team.
A year ago, Sterling said after a pre-season friendly that he still was not sure he was worthy of the description: Liverpool player. He has modified this view.
"I definitely feel more a Liverpool player now, especially on the back of having made it to a World Cup," he told the Telegraph. "The last two years have gone past so quickly but has been really enjoyable and a big learning curve. Now I have to keep learning and growing.
"The manager has been a massive influence day in, day out. He has made my football intelligence much better, helping me read the game and making me grow up real fast in footballing terms. He has taught me a massive amount on the tactical side and made me develop on this aspect.
"But I still have to keep focused on working hard and doing everything to keep progressing. I have to prove myself again and try to achieve more than last season. I have personal and team goals I have set myself again and the main aim is to help this team go one step further this year."
