Raheem Sterling had a difficult debut season at Chelsea in 2022/23, scoring only six goals in 28 Premier League games while being criticised for leaving Manchester City, but he’s enjoyed a much brighter start to the campaign and may confound his critics.
The 28-year-old scored only three goals in his first 13 league games for Chelsea last season but has two goals from five league games this campaign, so he’s looking far more prolific.
Could Sterling get England place back?
Sterling’s form from 2022/23 led to him being dropped from the England squad ahead of September’s Euro 2024 qualifier, but he might be in line for a return at the next international break if he can continue impressing.
Gareth Southgate was full of praise for his performances at the end of August, saying to talkSPORT: “It’s really good to see Raheem start the season so well. He looks in good condition, he looks hungry and is obviously an important player for us.”
As per WhoScored, Sterling is first in the Chelsea squad for goals (2), second for chances created (1.8 per game), joint-first for successful dribbles (2.2 per game), first for fouls won (2.6 per game), second for shots taken (2.6 per game) and second for most accurate crosses (1 per game).
The Blues may be struggling in front of goal this season, but it’s not for Sterling’s lack of trying. He’s looked lively in games and has his confidence back, so it’s a matter of time before he’s firing Chelsea to victory in the Premier League.
Despite Man City winning a second consecutive Premier League title in 2021/22, Sterling moved on over the summer. It was a shock he’d leave a perennial winner but even more surprising that he’d join Chelsea given they’d finished 19 points adrift in the title race.
Sterlng won’t waste career in London
And after City won the treble last season while Chelsea finished outside of the top-half, many thought Sterling had made a mistake that would kill his career. His turnaround in form this campaign proves he’s not giving up, however, and recent comments made to Chelseafc.com show Sterling is determined to succeed in West London.
He said: “I want to get back to being obsessed with football. Top performances, goals and assists. A lot has happened in my career, I have had a new challenge which has been difficult, and your head can become blurry. (I need) to be dynamic and aggressive. I have the desire and hunger to do that.”