#2 Raheem Sterling, Manchester City
Trending
There is something about Manchester City and their penchant for spending around £50 million for young British talents. Prior to the signing of Stones, City splashed the cash to obtain the services of young winger Sterling from Liverpool in the summer of 2015.
The highly rated youngster was snapped up by the Reds in 2010 and then went on to make his first senior appearance in 2012 before coming into his own in the 2013-14 season. He combined with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge to devastating effect as Liverpool made a title push. His searing pace, movement and dribbling ability helped free up space for Suarez and Sturridge to score.
However, things went awry with the departure of Suarez to Barcelona and Sterling joined the blue half of Manchester in 2015. He had a difficult time in his first season at City, especially over the lack of end-product. Although it is acceptable at his young age, given the expectations people had of him and the transfer fee he commanded, Sterling struggled under the pressure.
However, the arrival of Guardiola rejuvenated him instantaneously. Guardiola loves wingers who take on defenders at pace and spread the play wide. Sterling, being exactly the same type of player, started blossoming under him and has 5 goals and 4 assists in the league this season.
Sterling already has close to 30 caps for England and it is fair to say he is yet to deliver. In the recently concluded Euro 2016, Sterling’s weak finishing was magnified to make him the scapegoat for England’s limp exit from the tournament. So, this season’s upturn in performances should be welcoming for the player and his supporters. Further, under Guardiola, he can truly become one of the best wingers of his generation.
