The 19-year-old was one of the Reds’ best performers as they were beaten by Manchester United in pre-season on Monday and his manager is excited by his continual improvement

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers reserved praise for Raheem Sterling’s “outstanding” performance against Manchester United despite a 3-1 defeat.

The Reds were beaten in a pre-season clash in Miami on Monday but the 19-year-old won his side a penalty in the first half, continuing the fine form that won him a World Cup place earlier this summer.

Rodgers told the press: “I thought [Sterling] was outstanding and he was a real threat. He is tactically aware for such a young player and he is so exciting to watch. When he runs at defenders he can create many opportunities.

“At 19 years of age he is a real talent and he is getting better all the time.”

Despite the loss, Rodgers is pleased with how his side are shaping up as they prepare to face Southampton in their Premier League opener on August 17.

“I thought it was a really good game and both teams have had a very good workout out here,” he remarked. “I thought we were well worth the lead and had a couple more chances to increase that and it looked like maybe we should have had another penalty.

“We conceded a disappointing equaliser and then very quickly conceded another one so the game started to get stretched a bit but, overall, I’m delighted with the whole tournament and what it’s done for us.

“We have worked very hard and we will leave here with plenty of positives and look forward to the new season.

“The condition of the players that we have at the moment is very good. We’ve obviously got a few missing but certainly, by Southampton, we will be ready and we are looking forward to it.”