Raheem Sterling has been a regular for England since he was a teenager, and has won four Premier League titles with Man City.
So why are their fans no so bothered about selling him this summer, and why are Chelsea fans not that bothered about buying him?
It’s hard to put your finger on the exact reason the winger doesn’t generate the kind of excitement you’d expect given his amazing statistics and achievements.
One man who knows better than most about Sterling’s ups and downs is Alex Brotherton, who covers Man City for the Manchester Evening News.
His quotes on Sterling, as picked up by Football.London, reveal some interesting takes on the winger’s progress:
“Sterling does seem to be that kind of player where even at City, he really should be in the conversation for one of City’s best players of the modern era but the fanbase for a while has been quite split,” the writer said.
“Which is mad really given the sort of numbers that he’s put up, how important he’s been to the four titles he’s won at the club. All the goals and assists he’s provided over the years.”
“Some people think he can still offer a lot and get back to his past form, but then there are others who see his time at City as done and that he’s not reliable anymore. The things that Guardiola wants like he’s not a consistent enough finisher in front of goal is one of the main criticisms levelled at Sterling.”
Those things certainly feel like they contribute to the apathy around Sterling, but his dangerous pace and direct dribbling feel like they could add a lot to this Chelsea team, which lacks a consistent attacking threat out wide.
He not and never will be a Guardiola player, we don’t think he’s a bad player. He’s just not a Guardiola type player, he’s not a natural finisher, nor very versatile. That doesn’t mean he’s not a great player because he is, he’s just not for City. Had his chance to prove otherwise but wasn’t to be.
Top Manchester writer? Alex has written some decent stuff but he’s only been at it a wet weekend. Those of us who watch City closely every week can give chapter & verse as to why Raz hasn’t done it for us. First off, his first touch is appalling. His decision making is poor – far too many runs up blind alleys. When it comes to 1 v 1 with a keeper, he consistently comes off second best. But lastly we have gained the impression that is heart isn’t at City any more. I get the feeling he really wants Madrid, but if they don’t come for him, Spurs or Chelsea will do. We are also not bothered if he leaves because we have Cole Palmer waiting in the wings.