Liverpool's Sterling wins Golden Boy Award.

The England winger joins an illustrious cast of former winners, including World Cup winner Mario Gotze, Lionel Messi and last year's winner Paul Pogba

Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling has been named the winner of European football's Golden Boy award.

The award, for the best player in a top-flight European League under the age of 21, as voted for by journalists, has been handed to the England international after an outstanding 12 months.

He follows in the footsteps of the likes of Lionel Messi (2005), Sergio Aguero (2007) and World Cup final goalscorer Mario Gotze (2011).

Last year's award went to Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba.

The England whizkid, 20, has shone over the course of the calender year, taking his rich promise and becoming arguably the key player for both club and country.


"It's a great achievement to win such an award," Sterling told Liverpool's official website. "It's a really happy feeling for me and my family, of course.

"Something I've always wanted to do is to work hard playing football and try to be recognised. I'm really grateful that people have shown me this recognition.

"It's down to hard work. I'm really happy that people are recognising that I'm trying to work hard and do my best for this football club. I'm really grateful for this award."
The England whizkid, 20, has shone over the course of the calender year, taking his rich promise and becoming arguably the key player for both club and country.

The Jamaican-born youngster played an important role as Brendan Rodgers' side mounted a serious Premier League title challenge, starring alongside Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

He subsequently pushed his way into Roy Hodgson's England squad for the World Cup, featuring in all three matches.

Following the departure of Suarez to Barcelona in the summer and Sturridge's injury problems, Liverpool's 2014-15 campaign has been mired by inconsistency, yet Sterling has continued to shine.

An ever-present in the Premier League and Champions League, he's been utilised across a number of attacking positions, even playing as a central striker in the Reds last two matches - scoring twice in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth.

Sterling has also figured in all four of the Three Lions' Euro 2016 qualifiers, with England taking maximum points.