Without a decent playmaker in midfield we will struggle against the best teams, if someone could actually make the pass there would be more players willing to make the runs Henderson isn't it.
I think Sterling's problem is he is still too selfish, delaying passing on the off chance he can get in a position to shoot. Not a problem with man city where the skill level of his team mates is higher but not so good in a team where there isn't an Aguero, or David Silva backing him up. He was at his best when he was one of the Liverpool front three with Suarez and Sturridge before his injury problems,