Sterling has received his fair share of criticism
Raheem Sterling is a divisive footballer. His unique running style, his inconsistent finishing and for some vermin, his upbringing, make him a target of ridicule among fans.
Sterling has just enjoyed his most prolific season ever at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, who has helped lift his game to a new level.
Yaya Touré, a teammate of Sterling’s for three seasons at City, has recently spoken about the England winger on the BBC’s World Cup Daily Podcast.
“He has to be more clinical”, admitted Touré. “Sometimes I laugh at him missing too many goals. He just has to relax. I know he works hard,” he added.
“He can be one of the greatest. He has pace, is clever and he can see. He’s a technical player, like a Spanish player. Playing close to Sergio Aguero and David Silva he has learned a lot,” Touré said.
Despite Sterling’s impressive scoring record last season, Touré believes Sterling can do even better.
“In the Premier League when you see how many times he changes the game it’s impressive – and he’s just scored over 20 goals. For me, he should score maybe 30.
“I remember in one game he missed two or three. At half-time in the dressing room he had his head down and I said: ‘Don’t worry, you will score.'”
Sterling has started both of England’s World Cup games so far in a central position alongside Harry Kane, despite rumours that he would be dropped by Gareth Southgate for the second game, against Panama.
It’s likely that Marcus Rashford will take his place for the final group game against Belgium, as both teams have already qualified.
