#7 | Raheem Sterling - 2020/21 Performances

[mosssideblue]

I'd agree with that tbf. And one of his greatest strengths is that he does have a knack of "making things happen", even if it is not him to ends up putting the ball in the net. But it's not enough for me. He's VERY expensive to keep on the books and IMO not worth the money.

For me it is his unpredictability is the main concern, we simply dont know which Sterling is going to turn up atm and therefore an unknown risk

 

[balotellishaircut]

For me it is his unpredictability is the main concern, we simply dont know which Sterling is going to turn up atm and therefore an unknown risk

He just needs a goal mossside that’s it, your making too much of a big deal out of this.

 

[mosssideblue]

He just needs a goal mossside that’s it, your making too much of a big deal out of this.

Am I?

I'm not sure a goal is going to be the panacea you and others expect, but let's hope he gets out of this slump he is in sooner rather than later

 

[Chippy_boy]

Am I?

I'm not sure a goal is going to be the panacea you and others expect, but let's hope he gets out of this slump he is in sooner rather than later

I don't think you are.

It's been clear for a very long time what Sterling's limitations are (e.g. first touch, lack of vision, poor decision-making, ball-striking ability). His strengths were going on great runs in behind and, having been coached extensively, getting into the right place for a tap in.

The problem he has now is that since we are SO possession-based, 9 times out of 10 - and maybe more that that - there isn't a "behind" to run into. The opposition are camped out in their own half, or deeper. Our keeping the pressure on, retaining possession, relies upon players who have fantastic ball-control who can ping it around at speed and control it in an instant. Mahrez, Silva, KDB, Foden, Jesus, Gundogen - they can ALL do that. Aguero as well. Sterling cannot. The ball bounces off him, and he runs at opponents, hits the ball at them and then falls over.

We got rid of Sane probably because his game didn't fit how we were set up to play, and I would say the very same is now true of Sterling. I genuinely think he'd be a huge asset for another club which doesn't face 10 men behind the ball every week. That is not us.

 

[balotellishaircut]

Am I?

I'm not sure a goal is going to be the panacea you and others expect, but let's hope he gets out of this slump he is in sooner rather than later

Well I presume you’ve watched City and football in general for over 40 yrs, so your saying if Sterling plays and scores against Chelsea that won’t give the lad confidence, that ‘we don’t know which Sterling will turn up’ will disappear imo, Look how Torres celebrated his goal against Palace said it all for me, its such a weight off there shoulders.

 

[mosssideblue]

Well I presume you’ve watched City and football in general for over 40 yrs, so your saying if Sterling plays and scores against Chelsea that won’t give the lad confidence, that ‘we don’t know which Sterling will turn up’ will disappear imo, Look how Torres celebrated his goal against Palace said it all for me, its such a weight off there shoulders.

It may give him confidence, will it mean it eradicates his footballing deficiencies, I doubt it. Even playing at his pomp, he still had these flaws

 

[wolviedinho]

Sterling & Sergio both need to play the remaining league games. We may need them in the final so match fitness/confidence could be decisive. The more options we have the better.

 

[BlueBanger]

He just needs a goal mossside that’s it, your making too much of a big deal out of this.

I think he needs more than just a goal. He was bagging goals earlier in his dip while objectively performing poorly...it didnt help him then.

He needs games where he makes things happen and produces in the moments he has been squandering. Its tricky for him because he's mentally in the bin atm it seems. No easy answer.

As a top club we cannot afford passengers for too long though, especially not top earning ones.

 

[BillyShears]

I think he needs more than just a goal. He was bagging goals earlier in his dip while objectively performing poorly...it didnt help him then.

He needs games where he makes things happen and produces in the moments he has been squandering. Its tricky for him because he's mentally in the bin atm it seems. No easy answer.

As a top club we cannot afford passengers for too long though, especially not top earning ones.

Whilst everyone thinks they know what Sterling needs, I think it's important to remember that he's in the best possible hands at City with the club and coaching staff we have. It's clear from Pep's words and the club's desire to get him to sign a new deal that they believe in him fully. For the moment that's all that matters.

We're on the verge of greatness this season and then the summer will see us deal with the few small deficiencies we have in the squad. The club want to build on what they have, and that includes Raz. All this talk of "the club can't afford passengers" or "why should we be giving Sterling a new deal" is totally misplaced and it misreads the club's own desires and intentions.

I think I'd understand this discussion more if the club were struggling but they aren't.

 

[Chippy_boy]

Whilst everyone thinks they know what Sterling needs, I think it's important to remember that he's in the best possible hands at City with the club and coaching staff we have.

Damning in itself. God knows what he'd be like if he was in the hands of idiots.