Brendan Rodgers hails Alexis Sanchez-esque Raheem Sterling

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has likened Raheem Sterling to Arsenal ace Alexis Sanchez after he starred in Wednesday's 3-1 win away to Bournemouth.

The jet-heeled youngster thrived in a central role at Dean Court last night after scoring twice to help Rodgers's side into the semi-final of the League Cup.

Sanchez has established himself in the Gunners' squad this season, and the Northern Irishman says that Sterling's display against the Cherries reminded him of the talismanic Chilean.

"Raheem Sterling was brilliant. I played him as a striker, but you get different types of striker," he told BBC Sport.

"He's more of an Alexis Sanchez when he plays as a striker - he's not going to pin the defender.

"He plays in the spaces and he's got the speed to get in behind. A couple of great finishes and I'm very pleased for him."

The Merseysiders face Chelsea in a two-legged semi-final encounter next month.