Unused sub in three games
Ridiculed by fans – How Raheem Sterling’s Feyenoord spell descended into disaster
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Raheem Sterling is one of the most disrespected players of his generations but it’s unequivocal that his career has been on a steep downwards trajectory across the last few seasons. At his peak, Sterling was one of the most dangerous wingers in Europe as evidenced by his record market value standing at €160 million. The 82-capped England international was subjected to appalling media headlines when he was at the peak of his powers, unquestionably fuelled by sinister motivations.
Raheem Sterling
Trophy collection
Sterling, however, rose above it to become one of the best players in the English Premier League for several years and he boasts a glittering trophy collection with four league titles. His €56m move to Chelsea was the start of his regression as he couldn’t replicate his excellence from his Manchester City years and even a loan spell at Arsenal couldn’t resurrect his flailing career. In January, Sterling and Chelsea reached an agreement to terminate his contract and he proceeded to join Feyenoord until the end of the season. But his spell in the Netherlands has descended into a disaster and at 31 years olds, Sterling now faces a crossroads in his career with a major decision looming this summer.
Stats
R. Sterling
Right Winger
Feyenoord Rotterdam
7
0
1
Raheem Sterling’s Feyenoord struggles
Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie pushed for the signing of Sterling to boost their prospects of securing Champions League football. The Eindhoven outfit have achieved their target, sealing second place ahead of their final game of the season PEC Zwolle on Sunday. It’s understood that Sterling has been the consummate professional and an excellent role model for Feyenoord’s younger players but he’s been massively underwhelming on the pitch.
It’s imperative to highlight that Sterling hadn’t played a single minute in six months before moving to the Netherlands but he’s struggled to readapt to the demands of professional football. Van Persie introduced the winger as a substitute in his first two Eredivisie games to help him regain rhythm and Sterling started the next four games. But he’s only played 16 minutes across Feyenoord’s last four games and been an unused substitute in three. Sterling has provided just one assist at Feyenoord and he’s unlikely to pen an extended contract but his preference is to remain in Europe with Serie A a mooted destination. To ascertain the view from the Netherlands on Sterling, we’ve spoken to Owen van Leeuwen, Eredivise expert at Transfermarkt.
The view from the Netherlands
Sterling was brought to Rotterdam as the star signing and with high expectations, but it soon became clear that he was no longer the Sterling everyone had hoped for. You could tell from everything that he hadn’t played a match for a long time. His pace isn’t what it used to be, nor washis technique. I think the low point was reached when, during the away match at NAC Breda, he was cynically taunted by the NAC supporters with chants of ‘give the ball to Sterling’.
Market Value
R. Sterling
Right Winger
€5.00m
He has started four matches for Feyenoord and managed to provide one assist. At the moment, he has lost his place in the starting line-up and hasn’t even come on as a substitute in the last two matches. To put it mildly, the Feyenoord fans are not impressed by Sterling. They had expected more from him, especially given his track record.
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