Sterling can be one of world’s best, says Crooks

CITY winger Raheem Sterling can compete with Cristiano Ronaldo for the title of best footballer in the world, according to BBC pundit Garth Crooks.

Sterling scored one and assisted another as City dispatched Brighton 2-0 at the weekend to move top of the Premier League for the first time this season.

Under Pep Guardiola, Sterling has added consistency to his game since joining from Liverpool for £56m in 2015 and has turned into one of the Premier League’s most productive wingers.

However, he has struggled to replicate that form at international level for England and has failed to score in over three years for the Three Lions.

There is no doubting Sterling’s ability, though, and there have been rumours of Real Madrid’s interest in the 23-year-old in recent weeks.

His performance against Brighton earned Sterling a spot in Garth Crooks’ regular team of the week column for BBC Sport, and Crooks accompanied his inclusion with a big claim about the England man.

He said: “I told my son two seasons ago that I thought Raheem Sterling had the ability to compete with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo for the mantle of best player in the world. My son roared with laughter, but he’s an Arsenal fan so what does he know!

“While that mantle looks like it might currently go to Eden Hazard, Sterling is starting to look in that class. Against Brighton, Sterling was immense, and the speed with which his game has improved under Pep Guardiola is staggering.

“If Sterling can do for England what Ronaldo has done for Portugal, then hey presto... the mantle is his.”