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#4 Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Over the past couple of seasons, Raheem Sterling has catapulted himself among Europe’s elite footballers. A combination of him working alongside Pep Guardiola and the Englishman coming off age, has meant that he has become a genuine force to be reckoned with, both domestically and in Europe.
The forward’s numbers last season were a testament to the aforementioned statement as he netted 17 times in the Premier League while doing so on 5 occasions in the Champions League.
Additionally, he also bagged 12 assists across both competitions, with 10 of those coming in the league.
In comparison, Ronaldo, one of those shortlisted for the Best Men’s Player Award, scored only five more goals and laid on a couple of assists less, despite playing much more centrally than Sterling.
Thus, on sheer statistics, Sterling certainly deserved a place in the World 11, let alone the 10-man shortlist for the individual prize.
However, rather puzzlingly, the Englishman missed out on both counts. Consequently, the question of whether these awards are solely meant to satiate the thirsts of marketing magnets has reared its ugly head, again.
And, while that is a debate one would be better served not indulging in, it definitely is something to ponder upon.
