#7 | Raheem Sterling - 2020/21 Performances

[DAGW]

I’ve been very critical this year, and I feel deservedly so. Today however, Sterling did what he should be doing, and did it well.

Still not the best ball control at times, still lost the ball needlessly a couple of times - but he didn’t seem to dither on it.
Looked like he recognised his windows of opportunity quickly and made the right moves, rather than delaying and getting caught. Decisive and instinctive with his play - rather than over thinking it.

That goal, in that stadium, might be exactly what he needs too. I hope so.

 

[kun]

 

[RandomJ]

Key stat for me there is the 10 attempted take-ons. He is so frustrating when he stops at the defender and passes back when he clearly has the ability to take on the defender. That he attempted so many is a good sign and I hope we see it continue.

 

[bellsouth]

His one on ones are not good - he’s much better when playing the one-twos. Not trying to be overly critical but just think he could be even more productive - do love his attitude though

 

[waspish]

He is a moment player he seems to always have 1 or 2 a game that brings an opportunity in between these moment yep he can frustrate!

 

[Sir peace frog]

A great performance by raheem, capped off with an absolute screaming diving header,

I had full confidence that he wouldn't head it backwards away from the goal : )

 

[OrigamiNinja]

Key stat for me there is the 10 attempted take-ons. He is so frustrating when he stops at the defender and passes back when he clearly has the ability to take on the defender. That he attempted so many is a good sign and I hope we see it continue.

This. Its so annoying having wingers who don't attempt to beat a man. I know a lot of this is by design, and we are obsessed with keeping possession, but it can become too predictable. Our wingers have to attempt some take-ons and even sometimes lose possession, to keep the opposition guessing. Was so refreshing to see Sterling going at a full back time and time again.

 

[Deleted member 77198]

Raz’s best performance for two years and his best in any game against Liverpool or United ever.

Still looked bobbins when trying to take on Alexander-Arnold up the wing to the byline, but was fucking brilliant when cutting inside. Purposeful and determined!

And the big thing for me yesterday (that everyone seems to let him off for, or not mention at all) was his workrate when defending. This had disappeared from his game this season and last, but yesterday he worked harder than I’ve seen him for a long time.

Still prefer him on the right though, think he’s got a better game on the right. But great to see a level of performance like that.

Just shows how far he’d dipped when you see a level like that. It was starkly different in comparison to recent years’ performances.

Man of the Match for me yesterday.

 

[Blu1]

He’s a strange one raz. You can think he’s had a bad game but at the end of the match he’s scored & stats are very good.

I think we get frustrated because we know how good he can be. Just needs to go at players more like he did against Liverpool.

I think a lot of his work goes un noticed too as he tracks back a lot.

He would walk into any team in Europe

 

[Tricky_Trev]

I agree with others, the key stat is 10 attempted take ons in the match. With that comes an inevitability that we’ll lose possession more often than not, but when the dribble comes off, it changes the game. It’s worth the risk. And credit to Sterling for relentlessly going after TAA. Most players fail the first time then retreat into a safe performance. Raz kept going and got his reward.