Sterling off to a flyer as he answers critics again

IF THERE was one player who most needed to fly out of the traps this weekend, it was Raheem Sterling.

It seems that every year he starts the campaign feeling he has a point to prove and this year is no different.

After scoring 20 goals for Manchester City as they romped to the Premier League title, I thought he would take his prolific form to the World Cup. He was one player I was expecting to dazzle in Russia.

Instead, he could not end his three-year goal drought for England and was one of the more disappointing performers in what was an excellent tournament for Gareth Southgate’s side.

He then returned to his club to find serious competition for his place. Not only had City splashed out a club record £60million on Riyad Mahrez but Leroy Sane was equally determined to impress after being left out of the Germany squad.

Question marks remain over his future because he is yet to sign a contract extension but Sterling could not have wished for a more perfect start to the season against Arsenal. Not only did he find the net but he did so in some style.

If there is one area of Sterling’s game that needs most improvement, it is his striking from distance. The goal at the Emirates was his 50th in the Premier League but only his third from outside the box.

For a player whose tricky dribbling gets him into excellent positions, Sterling does not make the most of those opportunities. He tends to rush his shots and slap the ball with his foot.

Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta were both good strikers of the ball. I’m sure they are working with him to improve his technique.

Sterling has once again risen to the challenge and answered his critics. Keep scoring goals like that and he will have another sensational season.