I keep saying this but you really need to forget the fee we paid for him. Paying a lot of money for someone doesn't magically make them the finished product. He is 20 years old just remember that. Most players haven't even made it into the first team by that age. It will be 3-5 years minimum before he even comes close to becoming the player a lot of you seem to think he should be already. I know it can be frustrating when he makes mistakes but Sterling is a long term investment and he has all the attributes to be a special player we just have to be patient and not put too much pressure on him.
I think the overreaction is coming from a lot of people who rationalised to themselves that he was worth the £44m + £5m we paid for him, he wasn't. If you believe Sterling's a £50m player now, then you're going to be massively disappointed with what he's produced, and producing, so far.
He is not a £50m player. We paid over the odds.
He may becomes a £50m player in the future, but in no way shape or form does that fee reflect his ability at present.
And in that sense, I agree that people need to put aside the fee when reflecting upon his performances.
That said, ignoring all considerations re the fee, I have been particularly disappointed with his lack of cutting edge. And the way he's often all too willing to pass the buck and not take the responsibility for creating something himself.
Patience is key at the moment though, given his age. But he's certainly proven frustrating.
