Sterling On the Up and Shutting Critics Down
Raheem Sterling grabbed another winner for Manchester City at the weekend. The young England winger has been on fire for Pep Guardiola’s league leaders. I thought it was about time he was shown some love.
Match-winner
Sterling’s late winner against Huddersfield was his second match winning strike in the league so far. He also got, ten-man, City’s only goal in their 1-1 draw with Everton.
The wide-man’s fortuitous winner at the John Smith’s Stadium was his 12th goal in 18 games this season. That tally is already 2 goals better than his total for the whole 47 games of his last campaign. The 22-year-old has never scored more than eleven in a single campaign. The improvement in his scoring mirrors the over-all improvement in Raheem’s game.
The coaching of his manager will, quite rightly, be largely credited with the wingers improved form. Credit though must also be given to player himself.
Disgusting treatment
Having been somewhat vilified in parts of the media Sterling also had to contend with being a target for opposition boo-boys. It would appear that the City number 7’s only crime was choosing to leave Liverpool for the Etihad.
The forty-nine million pound transfer fee, nothing to do with the player, seemed to raise the ire of many. The reason for his, in my opinion, disgusting treatment in the press perhaps speaks of a more sinister attitude towards the colour of his skin. There was a constant stream of stories about Sterling’s off-field activities. All of which revolved around money.
One article, in a certain publication, went after Sterling for sharing pictures of an expensive new bathroom. In another the ‘pampered’ 22 year old was getting a hard time for having the temerity to post picture of himself and his girlfriend on holiday. I wonder if a young white player would have been treated this way for spending his money.
International Main-man
England fans should all be delighted by the improvement in Sterling’s game. He is playing with confidence to match the raw ability he always had. Thanks to Pep Guardiola, Raheem now has a coach who is continually adding things to his skill-set. At the age of 22 Sterling already has 35 international caps. If he is used properly the former Liverpool and QPR man may well be one of his country's main men for years to come. If the City man can keep his form up all season he should certainly be one of England's main-men in the World Cup next summer.
Due Credit
Raheem Sterling has been sensational at times this season. He has scored goals, some important ones at that and has been one, of a number, of instrumental players in Pep Guardiola’s side. It’s only fair that a player gets credit when its due. Particularly in the case of Sterling who has been given such an unjustified hard time in the past. It may well be one of the most memorable seasons ever for the blue half of Manchester. Having a young English player as an integral part of any success City may achieve is important for both club and country.
The most pleasing thing for me at this stage of the season though, is that those who criticised and vilified this young man are being kept quiet by his form. The Manchester City fans however, are far from quiet on the subject. As their song goes ‘Raheem Sterling, he’s top of the league!!’.
Can Sterling be key for England? How good is he right now? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!