Does Raheem Sterling get unfairly criticised?

Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has hit form, but some are still criticising the youngster

I was surprised to read an article earlier today on the website of a big media company that suggested that Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling is still a target for heavy criticism.

The England international is still just 22 years of age. However, he was always going to be judged harshly because of his £49million price tag.

Take the price tag away and all the rubbish spouted in the press about his personal life, and you have a young player who is improving and becoming a key player at his club.

Fast improving under Guardiola

Since the arrival of Pep Guardiola in the summer, Raheem Sterling’s form has improved. He is on course to produce his most prolific season in terms of goals (six) and assists (five), while his stats for dribbles and distance covered have also improved this season.

Guardiola’s presence at City has helped revive Sterling, who last season struggled badly to live up to his massive price tag. The youngster looked low on confidence and seemed to suddenly lack belief in his own ability, after looking like such a confident player at previous club Liverpool.

Sterling has thrived in recent games and has been involved in seven goals in his last seven Premier League appearances. The only player under 23 to have contributed to so many goals in the top-flight this season is Sterling’s England teammate Dele Alli.

A key player under Guardiola

Sterling has become a key player under Guardiola at City. While the Catalan boss loves to rotate his squad, Sterling has missed just two of City’s Premier League games this season. He is a player that Guardiola seems to rate and trust.

Sterling on one flank and talented young German Leroy Sane on the other with Sergio Aguero up front seems to be the perfect combination for City to thrive. Young Brazilian starlet Gabriel Jesus came into the side in January and made a big impact before injury struck.

City’s current front three have made sure the youngster has not been missed. Sterling’s influence in the team has grown and he is starting to fulfil that enormous potential for the Citizens.

The winger’s understanding with Sane could prove to be crucial for years to come for the men from Manchester. Both players are only in their early 20’s and both can improve in the future. It is scary just how much potential the pair have and just how good they could be in the next few years.

Pep Guardiola has talked about Sterling improving recently. The youngster has also recently been talking about working hard to improve his game.

Another chance to prove his worth on Wednesday night

Sterling and his teammates face a home game against Stoke City on Wednesday night, a game that they are heavy favourites to win at odds of 2/9.

The youngster produced an assist for Aguero to open the scoring in the Citizens weekend 2-0 win at struggling Sunderland.

He will be hoping to add to his tally of goals and assists against the Potters, who have conceded three or more goals in four of their last six away games in the Premier League. Sterling and co. will no doubt be looking forward to facing a team with such a generous defence on their travels.

I believe sometimes people forget that footballers are only human. They also forget that Sterling has only just turned 22, so he will go through peaks and troughs in his form. However, ironically he is in a rich vein of form. However, some people are ignoring it because of the mistakes he has made in the past.

We all make mistakes in life. Unfortunately for Sterling, his have been in the public eye and the media like to splash them across the front pages of their papers because apparent it sells newspapers.

Sterling may not be perfect. However, maybe it is time that we judge him on his performances on the pitch, rather than the stuff that has gone on in the past. The youngster deserves praise for his displays this season and he will only get better if he continues in his current vein.

Does Raheem Sterling get unfairly criticised?