Player Topic: Raheem Sterling (2015/16)

[bugsyblue]

He isn't technical enough to play the role he's currently playing. Short passing, ball retention and creativity isn't his game and nor should it be.

We need to stop using him like that because frankly, he's not as good as KDB, Silva and Nasri in that role.

The problem is, defences sit so deep against us that there isn't much space in behind to play his natural game and use his pace.

That isn't going to change anytime soon so he really needs to improve the technical side of his game or he's in trouble.

I'd like to see him move about more, become a 2nd striker when Kun moves wide or deep and look for the ball in behind. He isn't doing that and it's his best chance of playing his game.

I agree and can't help but think Sterling would be better on the right channel, playing similar to Navas as a more conventional winger except I think Raheem gives us more options as he's simply better, can cut inside or out and is a better passer. This would mean shifting De brunye to the left and keeping Silva central but that seemed to work excellently in the second half yesterday and of course they are both good enough to be fluid in their positions and drift around.

 

[IWasThereWhenWeWasShit]

Hey Guys! First post but long time watcher of the forum. Keeps me going during work. I was over in Germany for the game on Wednesday with a few mates and come up with a Sterling song to the tune of 'Miss American Pie' Just joined to get it out there..

My my Raheem Sterling was right
Ditched the scoucers for the City cos he knew they were shite
Winning titles, getting off his kite
Singing City til the day that I die

 

[eversince 76]

I am certain that he does but you have me questioning whether I have mixed up posters.

Ffs gents. Yes it's me. Eric. Not like I'm hiding or try to be undercover. You could've simply ask. In a decent way obviously. As for Sterling and putting him on the right. He needs to prove he's a better option than Navas. So far he hasn't. But he has time on his hands. As for the stats. Easy one playing loads of passes sideways or backwards. To me he's low on confidence and in awe by so many great players around him. His price tag (one g??) might influence him but l think it's more the way his transfer went about mainly caused by disgusting behavior by Liverpool and their fans. Sterling will come good and has plenty of time on his hands. Stop pushing him or try him in different positions that can only harm his confidence even further. The talent is undoubtly there. Now enjoy your Sunday.

 

[sh249]

Looks a bit lost at the moment - felt sorry for him yesterday, as nothing he tried came off.

Sure it's only temporary, though - few weeks ago, all and sundry were talking up how he'd helped to revolutionise the way we play. And as well as Navas played when he came on, I'm not sure the substitution in itself (i.e. getting Sterling off) was all that important - very much more the case that the entire team came out with a completely different attitude and energy. If we play at the tempo we did in the second half, and with the same urgency and directness, Sterling will thrive. No great surprise that the dip in his performances has coincided with a general dip in the team's play - if we move the ball around at snail's pace and allow opponents to get set up deep, then he's always likely to be much less effective.

 

[I_maysveryown]

Though he's been quite underwhelming in these last few games, it can be clearly seen that he takes up good positions where he is unmarked but players especially aguero and sometimes kolarov do not give him the ball. I know this may be due to the fact that they feel he is rather wasteful but it is gradually affecting his confidence.

 

[The Silver Surfer]

Hey Guys! First post but long time watcher of the forum. Keeps me going during work. I was over in Germany for the game on Wednesday with a few mates and come up with a Sterling song to the tune of 'Miss American Pie' Just joined to get it out there..

My my Raheem Sterling was right
Ditched the scoucers for the City cos he knew they were shite
Winning titles, getting off his kite
Singing City til the day that I die

That's crap, were you all pissed?!

 

[blue jay 16]

Sterling was wank yesterday and was deservedly taken off at half time. The lad will be a top player for us give time but it just isn't going for him at the moment.

 

[come-on-barney]

He actually had far and away the best pass completion in our team yesterday and, although it could do with improving, his stats on that thus far this season are just above the team average. He has also shown some creativity in passing. However, he does need to run at people a bit more; I'd also like to see him have a go down the right, where I think he could do what Navas does.

What is apparent is that Sterling's confidence is not yet at the levels it needs to be. What is also fact is that he is a young man at a new club with a huge price tag on him; a pressure that has been exacerbated by media coverage and opposition supporters booing him. He needs time to settle in and he has time very much on his side and so long as he has / develops the right mental fortitude, he will do well for and at MCFC.

Absolutely spot on.

 

[AshtonBlueMooner]

Not 100% yesterday and slowed down play a few times which I am sure Pellegrini will coach out of him. Navas benefited from Sterlings under par performance. Sterling has many years ahead of him and in time will show that he his head and shoulders above Navas. Brenda's departure will have Sterling inwardly chuckling.

 

[I'm With Stupid]

He's still a kid. He's going to be shit sometimes. Navas changed the game because he gave us more width. But as others have pointed out, switching Sterling to the right could have achieved the same thing.