Reborn Sterling spurs City’s Champions League charge
As Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City advances upon the Champions League group phase, previously maligned winger Raheem Sterling has been reborn.
Sterling, 21, joined City from Liverpool in a fractious $57.8 million move last year, but flattered to deceive and ultimately lost his place in the starting lineup.
He was also derided for some insipid England displays at Euro 2016, but appears to be thriving under Guardiola and inspired City to a 5-0 win at Steaua Bucharest in its Champions League playoff round first leg.
“Obviously he’s been criticized a lot in the past year, but the way he’s responding is great,” teammate Kevin De Bruyne said ahead of Wednesday’s return leg against Steaua.
“He’s a great player. I don’t care what people say about him after last year, or the Euros. These things happen. Footballers have ups and downs.
“Hopefully he can continue this for us now, because he is very dangerous.”
Sterling set the tone for City in last week’s first leg in Bucharest, winning an early penalty and assisting on goals by David Silva and Aguero, who notched a hat-trick.
Sterling won a penalty as City beat Sunderland 2-1 on the Premier League season’s opening day and impressed again in last Saturday’s 4-1 win at Stoke City, unselfishly setting up a late goal for Nolito.
Sterling’s return to form has not escaped the attention of Sam Allardyce, who took over as England manager from Roy Hodgson two months ago.
“People say in football that when you have the dip, it’s how well do you overcome it?” Allardyce said.
“When you do overcome it, you end up being a much better player and generally your career lasts a lot longer after getting through that period.
“So if he’s through that period and his talent begins to blossom again, watch out. He’s a terrific talent.”
City has won all three of its competitive games to date under Guardiola, but he warned after the Stoke win: “There is time to get much better.”
With the tie against Steaua effectively over, Wednesday’s game at Etihad Stadium gives Guardiola an opportunity to hone his tactical innovations, such as his use of fullbacks in central midfield roles.
He might also hand playing time to some of his fringe players, but it remains to be seen whether faltering outcast goalkeeper Joe Hart will be granted his first start of the campaign.