Raheem Sterling is an incredible talent but found himself on the bench at Manchester City by the end of the season. With the introduction of Bernardo Silva, the English Starlet must prove himself once again
Ever since his big-money move from Liverpool to Manchester City, Raheem Sterling was scrutinized to no end. He was not treated as a 19-year old with a star potential; rather, he needed to be a complete product. The media has found their new golden boy to monitor every little movement and punish any mistake in his young career. He was billed the new face of English football, and it was inescapable.
Despite the outside noise and constant distraction, Sterling has turned himself in as a rather dynamic, exciting player that everyone hoped he can be. More importantly, he has become more than just a dribbler under Pep Guardiola.
The young Englishman became a playmaker in the wing. He and Leroy Sane created a dangerous tandem in the wings. His improvements were awarded by the manager, who made the pair a focal point of attack, especially when Aguero went down.
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However, once the Argentine striker came back on the side, Sterling found himself on the bench. Gabriel Jesus was the flavor of the month and was the new sensation; bit like how Sterling was only a few years ago. The Brazillian banged in goal after goal, eventually pushing Sterling out of the starting eleven. With Aguero not likely to go anywhere, the trend does not seem like it will be stopping soon.
Then the summer transfer window came around and Manchester City almost immediately announced the signing of Portuguese winger Bernardo Silva from Monaco. Despite his versatility, Silva is a natural winger: a direct competition for Sterling’s spot.
This is not to say it was an unnecessary purchase that will only bloat the squad. The lack of depth in winger spots is very well documented. With clustered schedule, Guardiola was forced to play a formation with no wingers against Middlesborough just to give his two wide players some break. City ended up tying that game 2-2.
His dismissal from the starting eleven might have been justified. Despite the fact that he made strides as a player, he is by no means a finished product. Most notably, he must be able to put the ball in the back of the net more constantly. His finishing has been criticized time and time again, and he has yet to prove the doubters wrong.
Liverpool legend John Barnes recently made a comment comparing Sterling’s career to that of Theo Walcott. While the comparison may have been oversimplified, one advice rings loud and clear. Manchester City is a young team. With more veterans released this off-season, only a few veterans remain.
The likes of David Silva and Sergio Aguero must, must lead and mentor this exciting yet exploitable team. Sterling must be patient and absorb all he can from the veterans on the team.
With another season under his belt and an excellent coach by his side, Raheem Sterling will be a star in the future. His unavoidable time on the bench will be a testament to his character. Will he show some fight and rise to regain his place, or will he falter under the pressure? This season will tell.