Manchester City: Who’s in Contention for Player of the Season So Far?

Raheem Sterling

When he first came to the club, Raheem Sterling’s potential was obvious for all to see. His elite ball control, blazing speed, and his ability to read the game and anticipate where to be at the right moment were top class. However, Sterling was a far from a finished product. For all the times he’d put himself in an incredible position to score, the final product was often lacking.

Then, Sterling took a massive step forward in his development last year. In 46 appearances across all competitions, Sterling scored 23 goals, by the far the best of his career, and assisted another 17. Had it not been for Kevin De Bruyne’s dominance in midfield, Sterling may have gotten much more serious, and deserved, consideration as Manchester City’s player of the year.

If there were any lingering doubts about Raheem Sterling’s ability, they’ve been put to rest this year. No one has been as important to City’s success thus far than him.

In 39 appearances in all competitions, Sterling has scored 19 goals and assisted 16. Sterling’s 15 goals in the league are just three off of the top scorer, and his nine assists put him in a tie for third, just two assists behind Eden Hazard for the league’s most.

Sterling’s form rating the in the EPL stands at an absurd 7.73. That’s the best on the team, and puts him fifth in the world, only behind the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

His form rating in the Champions League is even better than that, currently sitting at a 7.89.

Sterling has been the man most responsible for City’s success thus far.

In attack, Sterling has been the dual threat that only the elite players provide. His goal scoring has been clinical. His confidence and ability when on the ball make him nearly impossible to defend. He’s setting up his teammates with great goal-scoring opportunities game after game. Defenses are on edge every time City attempt to counter attack because of Sterling’s pace, dribbling, and ability to make the right decision.

When City are out of possession, Sterling is constantly pushing the back line and putting himself in the proper position to make something happen when City inevitably win the ball back. His high work rate on both sides is potentially only exceeded by that of Bernardo Silva.

Perhaps most significantly, whenever City have needed a crucial goal, Sterling has been the guy to create it or score it. Sterling had a hand in both goals City scored in their 3-2 comeback win against Schalke in the first leg of their Round of 16 UCL tie. He took the final game-winning penalty in the Carabao Cup final which allowed City to retain a trophy for the first time in their history.

It’s a close a call between he and Aguero for City’s player of the season so far. However, if the season ended today, Raheem Sterling would be City’s player of the season. His overall contributions, and the consistency of it as evidenced by his form rating, show that no one has been as vital to City’s success as him.