Is there anyone who hasn't aired their opinion on the Raheem Sterling contract row yet? In the hullabaloo of the Premier League, outrage is always around the corner, especially when the title race is as easy to predict as this one has been. Everyone is constantly on the lookout for something to shout about, to argue during the crushing boredom of modern life inbetween matchdays. Unfortunately for Sterling, his ill-advised interview falls into this category, and so instead of people talking about the 20 year old's performances, we have them crying out to send him back down the mines to learn about what it's really like to 'work'. How dare he not sign a contract that has been offered to him! Absolutely despicable that he should want time to make up his mind about whether he should commit himself past the positively miniscule two years he has left on his current contract. Raheem, won't you please think of the children?

In the immortal words of Homer Simpson, in case you couldn't tell, I was being sarcastic.

Sterling is a wonderful player and a genuinely exciting prospect who is only just beginning his career. I imagine it is quite easy to get swept up in the moment sometimes as a young footballer, especially if you are just out of your teens. Yes, the amount of money that is on the table is staggering if sources are to be believed, but is this situation actually about the money? Can anyone say for sure that it is? Of course not.

The gossip columns speculate about interest from huge clubs in relation to Sterling: what young footballer would not be flattered and excited about such rumours? In turn, what person would not want some time to consider his options in the face of such talk?

Sterling has done nothing wrong, besides naively believe that his interview would not put the cat among the pigeons and he wouldn't end up covered in bird shit. Inevitably, the task to convince the young starlet that he can achieve success by staying where he is falls to the Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers. If anything, this episode has taught us that Sterling may harbour doubts about where the Merseyside club are heading. While last season's campaign and eventual second placed finish beggared belief at times, this year the story has been more like the Liverpool of after Benitez we are uses to. Rodgers has managed to steady the ship and fourth place is still within reach, at a slim but possible 13/2 with Ladbrokes, but it will take a significant change next season if they are to challenge seriously for the title a la that glorious run-in of the 2013/2014 season.

It's a hard ask in this technological age to ask people to quell their thoughts for a moment, and to just think of the wider picture before making a judgment. I'll bet by next week, most people won't be talking about this anymore. I'll wager even more that by next month, most will have forgot this 'incident' even happened. Then maybe Sterling can be left to get on with what he does best: playing football.

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