Raheem Sterling’s career with Manchester City has been scrutinized to the max.
Starting with his controversial move from Liverpool to Manchester City, to his England international appearances, everywhere you look people refuse to give the guy any credit. There is always the question of his end ball and mentality.
No one focuses on what he does well. Going into the year there were questions as to whether he is a Pep player. With the options City has and the desire for Alexis Sanchez where did Raheem fit into the plans?
I’ve always been a Sterling fan and defender, and from what I’ve seen this year there is no doubt in my mind he is about to make the jump to world-class status. Sterling’s versatility is a major asset to this team. He can play either wing position or as a support-striker in a two man front. Pep have Sterling unleashed in the freer position up front that he has deployed him in.
He now has range to link up with the midfield and attack opposition center-backs. Sterling is an extremely bright player and understands concepts and weaknesses. Watch him closely and you’ll see him constantly moving and dragging players with him. He creates so much space for others to work.
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When he is on the wings Sterling is deadly. He strikes fear into the heart of fullbacks with his pace and dribbling ability. He loves to go after defenders. On the left wing he can cut in and create chances coming back through the middle.
On the right side Sterling can beat fullbacks wide and send in deadly balls to the box. Wherever you want to play him in attacking positions Sterling has the skill to devastate defenders.
Sterling’s biggest weakness has been his finishing. For a long time people have been annoyed because he has elite skills everywhere except finishing.
If he could score surely he is world-class. In five appearances in the Premier League, Sterling has five goals. Pep has dramatically improved Sterling. Sterling can now finish.
This is massive because with everything else he does well this just adds to his tool kit. Sterling is as dangerous as ever and Premier League defenders should be frightened when they play him.
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Sterling is making a case for being up there with the Hazards and Sanchezes but people aren’t talking about him enough. I’m here to start the conversations and campaign for Sterling so here it goes, Sterling is a top 5 player in the Premier League.