Raheem Sterling - 2016/17 performances

[PannickAtTheDisco]

You claim you sit on the fence with him yet the slightest negative comment and bam you are there, putting down anyone who might say anything bad. I said it looks like its another "next year" case when it comes to discussing him as he hasn't yet become this world class player many predicted he would under Pep. I also stated the stats don't speak of his performances which for me they don't. His stats aren't the issue nor was they that bad last year. The issue is for me watching him he is still struggling to beat a man and still lacking a massive amount of composure. As I say we sold him tomorrow we would get 30 Mill tops from a team like Everton.

I hope you're a United fan, but sadly having heard some of the most stupid idiots at Wembley, you're probably one of those numpties. Won us the game v Arsenal, provided crucial assists v Monaco and Barca and should have been given match-winning penalties v Liverpool & Spurs, so our rivals can only stop him by blatantly fouling him and relying on refereeing bias. Done more in big games this season than say...Aguero, who for every goal has to miss 5 other often simple chances.

No wonder after everything that has gone against him this season, the amount of football and the deterioration in form of our entire front-line, with a makeshift team which even Pep can't figure out behind him, that he would drop off towards the end of the season. Everyone else has, yes we need to see more consistency, but that's the same for Sane, KDB and Kun. I think in the better team next year he will improve again, he just needs the club to sort the issues beyond his control out (ie. refs).

 

[Rolee]

They wheeling out more rag examples? Hilarious stuff. These guys' heads are gonna fall off when Sterling is again integral to Pep's team next season!

Some aren't going to be happy with me saying this but it's something that has a grip on a significant proportion of our fanbase, it's a rag inferiority complex.

 

[Tom_mcfc]

Again, I never made that claim. Weird!

I said he hadn't turned up in big games, you picked two games he scored in as evidence

They wheeling out more rag examples? Hilarious stuff. These guys' heads are gonna fall off when Sterling is again integral to Pep's team next season!

I would say Neville is one of the most respected men in media. He was also England coach that would of worked with Sterling for a few years. I'd take his opinion over blinkered blues any day. If you think he strikes the ball well then that sums it up really doesn't it. I'm the stupid one though.

 

[Rolee]

I said he hadn't turned up in big games, you picked two games he scored in as evidence



I would say Neville is one of the most respected men in media. He was also England coach that would of worked with Sterling for a few years. I'd take his opinion over blinkered blues any day. If you think he strikes the ball well then that sums it up really doesn't it. I'm the stupid one though.

Respected by sheep.

 

[Tom_mcfc]

Respected by sheep.

You mean your blue tinted glasses are so dark you can't look any further? Again he worked with him for years too but lets ignore that one.

 

[Rolee]

You mean your blue tinted glasses are so dark you can't look any further? Again he worked with him for years too but lets ignore that one.

I'll acknowledge his striking of the ball isn't the best, he lacks consistency when striking, I believe through a lack of confidence. I'll give you the Arsenal example again of him striking a ball well.

I'll happily ignore anything that bootlicking **** has to say.

 

[supercity88]

I think he's a victim of Pep tbh.

He's looked very, very good when we play the 4-1-4-1(with Silva or Kev essentially deep), but when we switch to anything but that formation, the space congests and it completely nullfies him.

I'm hoping next season Pep gets the formation right and stops tinkering, because it is definitely affecting some players form, namely Raheem & KDB.

Decent full backs will make such a difference. I really do feel that many fans are underestimating how much better we will be when our full backs are replaced. If you watch most of the top sides these days their systems are all very reliant on full backs providing width and overlapping to create space for wide players to cut inside or to offer an option on the overlap. Alves was doing it all game for Juventus and allowing Dybala so much space to cause problems. If Juve lost the ball he'd be back to settle into their defensive system. Monaco were rather toothless because they really missed Mendy who would have done the same for them.

When Sane and Sterling get the ball they often have a midfielder and full back to beat and it's far too obvious at times that they'll cut inside. It's taking an age for our full backs to get forward and provide an overlap and help give the two of them space. If we bought, for example, Walker and Mendy, we'd instantly be transformed. They can whip a ball in on the overlap which means they need marking. A defender has to decide whether to follow their run or mark Sterling/Sane who will be dangerous if allowed too much space. Against a really defensive system a quick one two can easily reap rewards.

If Sane/Sterling are out of form or injured then play three at the back with wing backs and Silva and De Bruyne can play as "wide" players who are essentially no.10s using the wing backs for width and cutting inside to thread through balls and link play.

Sterling has had an excellent season compared to last, and he'll be even better next year in a system that will be fine tuned and have adequate personnel.

 

[The Lightbowne Cowboy]

4 steps forward, 5 steps backwards, 4 steps backwards, 5 steps forward.. Can be infuriating and brilliant on numerous occasions during the same game. Definitely a Marmite player..you either love him or hate him. I've still not made my mind up on him yet :-/ Just wish the bugger could hit a ball cleanly.

 

[Tom_mcfc]

I'll acknowledge his striking of the ball isn't the best, he lacks consistency when striking, I believe through a lack of confidence. I'll give you the Arsenal example again of him striking a ball well.

I'll happily ignore anything that bootlicking **** has to say.

One example in a full season though and even then it wasn't the best keeping. Cech got pelters for that going in near post but its more of that we miss with him. Agree to disagree on Neville, I don't mind him and when he is talking about players he has coached I'd welcome that knowledge.

 

[OrigamiNinja]

One example in a full season though and even then it wasn't the best keeping. Cech got pelters for that going in near post but its more of that we miss with him. Agree to disagree on Neville, I don't mind him and when he is talking about players he has coached I'd welcome that knowledge.

You must have realised by now that you cant critique Sterling on here? The S.D.F. (Sterling Defence Force) will quickly see you off.