Slaven Bilic: 'Raheem Sterling can be the best'

Besiktas manager Slaven Bilic has claimed that Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling could become England's best player in the next few years.

Liverpool welcome Besiktas to Anfield tomorrow night for the first leg of their last-32 tie in the Europa League.

Sterling has emerged as a vital player for the Merseysiders during the past two seasons and has also established himself as an England regular.

Former West Ham United and Everton defender Bilic has now suggested that the 20-year-old is capable of going on to be the country's "next big player".

"He can be the next big player in English football. The best. He's got the speed and the confidence," the Croatian is quoted as saying by The Sun.

"He's not the strongest but he's everything but afraid. He goes into tackles and is very strong. Most definitely he can be. He's not yet but he can be and he should be."

Sterling has scored nine goals in 35 appearances for Liverpool so far this season.