If we were to identify one malaise that is common among the English Premier League (EPL) clubs, then it would be their short-sighted approach. Top EPL clubs invested lot of money on players on the basis of their performances over a short period of time. One classic example would be the signing of Andy Carroll by Liverpool in 2011. Five years on, it looks like Raheem Sterling is set to dethrone Andy Carroll. The former Liverpool man signed a five-year deal with City last July worth 49 million euros. Did he justify himself at the club so far? Well, the answer is a clear no.
There’s no doubt about the fact that Sterling is talented. He owns a fair share of tricks and his bursting runs are always a big threat to any opponent. But when you splurge that kind of obscene money on a player, you expect him to possess a lot more than just talent. Sterling’s finishing skills have been just awful over the past few years, and he didn’t improve an inch after joining City.
To go by this season’s statistics, Sterling has five goals and two assists to his name in the Premier League. That does not reveal the whole story. Much was expected of him since the move from the Merseyside club and he was being regarded as a key player for City to win back the Premier League title. But as we have seen in the League Cup title clash against Liverpool or the subsequent EPL match against the same opponents, Sterling just fails to deliver during crucial times.
Another costly City buy this season, Kevin de Bruyne, has been a far more productive and influential player. To an extent, he justified his price tag of 55 million euros with his five goals and nine assists. His absence due to injury at this critical juncture of the season has affected the club in a negative way.
Sterling chose Manchester City to win trophies and play in the Champions League, and he has already earned a League Cup winner’s medal but he shouldn’t be content with that.
Winning trophies is fine but playing a part in winning those trophies is a much more satisfying feeling.
With Pep Guardiola taking over at City next season, a lot would be expected from Sterling since Guardiola’s philosophy suits players like Sterling. So far, City fans have been kind to him but things can change quickly. Like how it changed for Fernando Torres at Chelsea.
