On a technical level, he's comfortably our worst player. Funny thing is, that's always been the case. Sterling is a player with many attributes; in Pep's second season here he was an unbelievable asset because more often than not we were playing a high-placed, transition based game. He's always been adept at timing those runs into the box and scoring those "poachers" goals. Nobody can ever take that skill set away from him.
But, he is never, ever, ever, going to be a technically gifted footballer. Playing with his back to goal; killing the ball dead with a delightful first touch; quick touch and move passing in tight spaces, of these facets he's never been capable. And sadly, our game under Pep has evolved to the point where his limitations are impossible to mask. Couple that with him seemingly being in a psychological rut, and it's a perfect storm for prolonged, poor form.
At this point, he doesn't warrant a new contract; and he'd probably be the first to admit that. It's going to be tough but if this is to be his last season, I hope he can have some meaningful impact one way or another.
And I will say this. Whatever happens from here on in, he leaves us a success story. He's contributed to three title winning seasons, his productivity invaluable to us, and was a key component in one of the most electrifying City teams we've ever seen.
