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Raheem Sterling masterclass

Want to know how to improve your dribbling skills? We ask Liverpool's teenage sensation...

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As Liverpool came within two points of winning the 2013/14 Premier League title, only Chelsea’s Eden Hazard averaged more successful dribbles per game than Raheem Sterling.

The England teenager averaged 2.8 effective runs with the ball in each appearance last season, joint with former club-mate Luis Suarez, and that success was courtesy of his pace and trickery.

This season, Sterling is currently just under his 2013/14 average of successful dribbles, having performed 2.5 per match.

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The teenager’s importance to Liverpool has also been underlined by manager Brendan Rodgers protecting Sterling’s long-term fitness as he started last weekend's defeat by Aston Villa on the bench.

But Sterling was back in the starting XI as Ludogorets were beaten in the UEFA Champions League in midweek and he will almost certainly remain in the first team at West Ham United this weekend.

So, ahead of kick-off at Upton Park, which can be seen on Saturday Night Football – live from 4.45pm, we have asked Sterling for some tips.

“Firstly, you have to decide what the best option is at the time; to pass or to dribble,” said Sterling, who was speaking at a The Sims 4 photo shoot.

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Raheem Sterling

“It is key to always have your head up and see what the best decision is.

“Then you try to look at the defender and see what he is doing, where he is giving you more space and try to work off that. As much as possible, you try to make the defender make the first step.

Raheem Sterling

“You can then try a trick, maybe a step over, or just wait for a body feint. A body feint is the easiest or most effective option.”

Raheem Sterling

No Liverpool player has been fouled more times per match than Sterling’s average of 2.3 so far this season, which is an indication of how defenders are attempting to counteract his dribbling.

But that also means Sterling, who has already scored two goals and provided one assist, is well aware of the importance of being able to match no-nonsense defenders.

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“At a young age, you get taught how to use your hand to hold off an opponent while you are dribbling, because it can really help you,” he said.

“Upper body strength is key and also your core muscles, so it does not make it easy for defenders and you can have a battle if they are physical.

“I mainly work on my core muscles in the gym a couple of times a week. Then, on a specific day, I do my upper body.”

Raheem Sterling's a 'Playful Creative' according to The Sims 4 personality test. What's your Sims 4 personality? Take the test and buy your copy of the game NOW at TheSims.com

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