Raheem Sterling has so far been one of the very few bright spots for Liverpool, with the 17-year-old putting in some wonderful performances. The fact that those games have not gone unnoticed was highlighted when Sterling earned a call up to the England senior squad.
The Liverpool winger, along with Adam Lallana and Jake Livermore, were brought in by Roy Hodgson as cover after Theo Walcott was ruled out with an illness, while Daniel Sturridge is doubtful for England's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine Tuesday.
Steven Gerrard, who has been there and done that in England as well as Liverpool colors, sees a bright future for his teammate. "He is a fantastic talent, one of the shining lights at our club this year, even though results haven't been good enough," Gerrard said.
"It is great for him to be called up and get a feel for the senior group because it won't be too long before he becomes a regular in this group. He is that good.
"He is a mature 17-year-old. There is nothing flash about him at all. He is a quiet kid. He works hard and listens and that is the key when you are that age and a good player.
"If you can listen and take advice from good managers and players, you will keep on progressing and improving.
"He is a breath of fresh air, especially for the older lads, with the pace and excitement he brings. He is a nightmare to mark for defenders."
However, the veteran cautioned on putting too much pressure on the teenager, saying giving him time will be key to ensure that the winger enjoys a long and successful career.
"Let's be patient with him. Let's not force it and expect too much too soon. Let it happen naturally and in time we will have a fantastic player for Liverpool and England.
"Of course, a lot more people follow the game, social media, and the impact of the Premier League is worldwide. The expectations are high with young kids.
"It is different for the young lads now, there is a lot more pressure on them. It's important the people around them support them and give them the back-up they need.
"Just because you break into an England squad, or played a handful of games for your club, it doesn't mean you are the finished article.
"There is still so much improving and learning for these guys to do."
Hodgson also sees a big future for Sterling, but reserved special praise for Southampton midfielder Lallana. "Their early performances for Southampton and Liverpool this year have been very impressive," the England manager said.
"Lallana is a player I've known about and watched even when Southampton were in the Championship because, as a club coach, he has been on the radar of players to watch and possibly attempt to buy.
"It is good he has confirmed what we have already thought, that he is a talent.
"With Raheem, in the past two years he has come on leaps and bounds and in the opening matches he has played this season, the reports on him have been very good. I shall make it clear to him that I am not bringing him with a view to necessarily playing him now.
"I'm bringing in more because there might be a time in the future when not only does he feature as a substitute, he might even be breaking his way into the team."
