Raheem Sterling

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 10:52 pm

Socrates wrote:At the end of the day .... he’s playing as a striker but he isn’t one.

He’s getting used to playing with his back to goal in a World Cup. His use of movement and creation of space for others has been top, top drawer and teams are genuinely worried about him.

As long as the team are scoring and he’s a massive part of our attacking play it really doesn’t matter. He’s getting better and better every game in the tournament and in this new role.

No.

Just, no.

He ISNT getting better every game, and I’d suggest anyone who says he is should watch every game. He ISNT playing with his back to goal, not in the slightest, so where this has come from is baffling.

He has been poor. He may keep defenders busy, worrying about his pace, but we might as well have Andre gray up front. Soooooo many times today we could’ve put Sweden to the sword but for very poor decision making by sterling. When we come across a game with limited chances, what we get we have to take, or go home. I don’t want to hear “ yeah but he is really quick and draws defenders away from the real threat “ when we are on the plane home, I’d rather hear “sterling finished then off” as we prepare for the final.

Socrates · Post by **Socrates** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 10:54 pm

We’re in the semi final of a World Cup for the first time in near 30 years, only the third time in our history.

We’ve performed beyond expectations.

We’re getting better game by game.

Ask yourself who is winning the free-kicks and corners we’re scoring a lot of our goals from.

Ask yourself who is creating the space for Ali and Lingard to run into.

Ask yourself who is either forcing teams to defend deep or running into spaces when they defend high.

All this whilst playing out of position.

And then ask yourself who you feel the need to hammer a player who all pundits accept is an integral part of this generational success.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 10:54 pm

Socrates wrote:Congratulations.

Against some pretty stiff opposition that’s the most incorrect post i’ve ever seen on here.

Stick to boxing.... footballs not your thing...

Socrates · Post by **Socrates** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 10:55 pm

bobinho wrote:No.

Just, no.

He ISNT getting better every game, and I’d suggest anyone who says he is should watch every game. He ISNT playing with his back to goal, not in the slightest, so where this has come from is baffling

It’s come from all the times he’s picking the ball up with his back to goal.

Socrates · Post by **Socrates** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 10:55 pm

bobinho wrote:Stick to boxing.... footballs not your thing...

Plank

Neither must Ferdinand, Lineker, Shearer and Klinsmann who all raved about him.

Claretuk · Post by **Claretuk** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 10:58 pm

bobinho wrote:Stick to boxing.... footballs not your thing...

Hard to disagree bobinho!

I have asked myself multiple times n I always get the same answer Sterling is shite!

dandeclaret · Post by **dandeclaret** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:00 pm

bobinho wrote:Bet he wasn’t saying that after the burnley game. Seriously, after selecting hin in most of Man City’s games, whaddaya expect him to say?

Or rather, utter ********. He’s fuckin dogger-fact. So many times he gets the ball in promising positions, and it ends up with a goal kick, or an opposition throw. Very, very poor.

Pace is only scary to an opposition defender, if the player with it has serious ability. Raheem Sterling would struggle to start for Burnley. Sometimes, he’s soooooo ineffective, it’s like starting with ten men.

Seems to me that he’s trying too hard to make a name for himself. Far too many times the easy pass was the ball, but he makes it all about him and tries to finish the game. Very poor. Frightened to death of hearing “you let your country down” to such a point he’s actually letting his country down by trying to be the game winner. Disappointingly, his manager should see that, and deal with it.

Raheem sterling has pace to burn, but he consistently makes the wrong decision. Shouldn’t start.

23 goals for Man City, 12 assists - a better return than Sane, Silva (Both of them), De Bruyne, Jesus etc both in terms of numbers, and contribution per minute.

That's why Guardiola says it.

Dyched · Post by **Dyched** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:01 pm

He tends to look at the ball and his feet when he recieves the ball. Runs a few yds then lifts his head up. Realises where the defenders are and has to change direction (typically backwards). His decision making has been poor in the final 3rd at times but I can put Lingaard and Alli in that bracket too.

quoonbeatz · Post by **quoonbeatz** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:03 pm

bobinho wrote:Frightened to death of hearing “you let your country down” to such a point he’s actually letting his country down by trying to be the game winner.

I reckon he's not remotely frightened of hearing the least frightening chant of all time once a season when he comes to burnley.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:04 pm

Socrates wrote:Congratulations.

Against some pretty stiff opposition that’s the most incorrect post i’ve ever seen on here.

You should come on more...

Your defence of this lad is embarrassing. Reminds me of some poster in here who was shouting about how good Hendrick was in his “not a number 10” role, right up until Dyche came out with “he’s playing in that unfamiliar no10 role” statement, then he disappeared.

Sterling has been **** poor, so far. He may come good, but so far, he’s been dogshit. No amount of, “yeah but he....” is gonna change that.

“Oooh but I see and understand far more than you” doesn’t really wash. I wanna see results, and whilst we are getting them, we are doing so with ten men. (Exaggeration, but I’m sure you get me)

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:07 pm

bobinho wrote:You should come on more...

Your defence of this lad is embarrassing. Reminds me of some poster in here who was shouting about how good Hendrick was in his “not a number 10” role, right up until Dyche came out with “he’s playing in that unfamiliar no10 role” statement, then he disappeared.

Sterling has been **** poor, so far. He may come good, but so far, he’s been dogshit. No amount of, “yeah but he....” is gonna change that.

“Oooh but I see and understand far more than you” doesn’t really wash. I wanna see results, and whilst we are getting them, we are doing so with ten men. (Exaggeration, but I’m sure you get me)

Is this the same player that is picked week in, week out by arguably the best manager in the world?

Imploding Turtle · Post by **Imploding Turtle** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:08 pm

18 goals in 33 league games last season for the team who won the league. But his finishing sucks. Apparently.

South West Claret. · Post by **South West Claret.** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:09 pm

Club and International football not the same.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:10 pm

Now you guys are beginning to know how I feel trying to explain the EU.........

taio · Post by **taio** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:11 pm

Lancasterclaret wrote:Now you guys are beginning to know how I feel trying to explain the EU.........

Not again

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:13 pm

Not arguing the reasons behind his selection, they are there for all to see, but his performances at the World Cup for England are poor.

You saw his contribution today in dangerous areas. Full of bad decisions and poor balls. You saw that right? Tell me you saw that? For example, tell me you saw him cut inside on 20 minutes and lose it when the only ball was out wide for trips/walker (can’t temember who was outside him) to whip in a delicious ball? He “got away” with it because Kane came from nowhere to have a shot, but only after sterling lost the ball when it should’ve been on its way out wide then into the box. One example from plenty.

He was poor. Very, very poor.

Rumbletonk · Post by **Rumbletonk** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:16 pm

Socrates wrote:Anybody critical of Sterling and his role in this team knows nothing about football.

He's had 3 games where he's been a passenger. Tonight he was very good. Worked his socks off, created space, tracked back, snappy passing, carried with purpose. He did his job. He is a confidence player clearly. I hope he's proud of himself tonight and cant wait for Croatia

CBT · Post by **CBT** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:19 pm

Dyched wrote:He tends to look at the ball and his feet when he recieves the ball. Runs a few yds then lifts his head up. Realises where the defenders are and has to change direction (typically backwards). His decision making has been poor in the final 3rd at times but I can put Lingaard and Alli in that bracket too.

I would disagree on Alli
Think he's been very good alot more of a team player than previously he tracks back much more and can't remember the last time he was booked

Diesel · Post by **Diesel** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:23 pm

Rumbletonk wrote:He's had 3 games where he's been a passenger. Tonight he was very good. Worked his socks off, created space, tracked back, snappy passing, carried with purpose. He did his job. He is a confidence player clearly. I hope he's proud of himself tonight and cant wait for Croatia

B0llocks, we'd be better off with Pete Greenwell or even Lofty.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:24 pm

Andre gray got a shed load for Burnley in the promotion season.... doesn’t make him a good footballer, because we all know (and now Watford know) he ain’t.

Sterling has run his socks off, and no mistake, ill give you that, But effective he ain’t. Quote his city stats all ya want, I’ll quote his England stats back at ya.

Roosterbooster · Post by **Roosterbooster** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:27 pm

For all those praising Sterling and what he brings to the team, I ask:
Has he actually directly contributed to any of our goals?
Has he wasted a huge number of chances created for him?
Has his decision making been a thing other than abysmal?

As I’ve said before, it’s all well and good praising his movement, but he needs to offer more for England. He is surrounded by a mass of world class talent at Man City. England need players who will contribute, and I think Rashford would contribute much, much more

Dyched · Post by **Dyched** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:27 pm

CBT wrote:I would disagree on Alli
Think he's been very good alot more of a team player than previously he tracks back much more and can't remember the last time he was booked

I just meant the final 3rd with Alli. Couple of simple through balls went astray today. We need to try give Kane a couple of chances. I cant remember any real big chances he’s had in all the games.

Anyway who care?!? It’s Coming Home

CBT · Post by **CBT** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:30 pm

Roosterbooster wrote:For all those praising Sterling and what he brings to the team, I ask:
Has he actually directly contributed to any of our goals?
Has he wasted a huge number of chances created for him?
Has his decision making been a thing other than abysmal?

As I’ve said before, it’s all well and good praising his movement, but he needs to offer more for England. He is surrounded by a mass of world class talent at Man City. England need players who will contribute, and I think Rashford would contribute much, much more

Belgium game??
Rashford was awful

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:31 pm

Roosterbooster wrote:He is surrounded by a mass of world class talent at Man City.

If he's carried so much by his team mates at Man City why doesn't Guardiola just buy a better player then?

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:31 pm

bobinho wrote:Not arguing the reasons behind his selection, they are there for all to see, but his performances at the World Cup for England are poor.

You saw his contribution today in dangerous areas. Full of bad decisions and poor balls. You saw that right? Tell me you saw that? For example, tell me you saw him cut inside on 20 minutes and lose it when the only ball was out wide for trips/walker (can’t temember who was outside him) to whip in a delicious ball? He “got away” with it because Kane came from nowhere to have a shot, but only after sterling lost the ball when it should’ve been on its way out wide then into the box. One example from plenty.

He was poor. Very, very poor.

Hi bobinho, ok, I remember that movement, but I'd have preferred that Kane left the ball for Sterling so that the latter could take the shot. Yes, maybe a ball out wide would have been useful, but getting some shots off, especially when it's not expected, is a way to success.

I was pleased with Sterling's game today, thought it was one of his better games. Agree, he still needs to get that goal - which he deserves. His speed frightens a lot of defences and that's what England need. Let's let the CBs do the scoring!

And, yes, I'm still pleased that he left a goal opportunity on the pitch at Turf Moor which allowed the Clarets to get 1-1.

Roosterbooster · Post by **Roosterbooster** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:33 pm

Spijed wrote:If he's carried so much by his team mates at Man City why doesn't Guardiola just buy a better player then?

He is an end product in that team, it’s a completely different role. We are asking him to create, which he isn’t doing

Roosterbooster · Post by **Roosterbooster** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 11:47 pm

CBT wrote:Belgium game??
Rashford was awful

1 bad game vs Sterling’s 4 bad games

I don’t pay too much attention to stats, but this is quite striking:

Rashford averages 320 minutes per goal for England
Sterling... 1393

Sterling has certain very scary qualities for opposing players, and I understand the argument for his movement and pace being a contributing factor to our success, but I don’t think the role Southgate is playing him in suits him. In the centre of the pitch, his decision making isn’t good enough. Play him out wide, and those decisions are reduced, and his end product would probably be better. But that would involve changing a system that we just aren’t going to sway from. So, for me, as a more metal player, Rashford is a better alternative.

Rumbletonk · Post by **Rumbletonk** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 12:43 am

Diesel wrote:B0llocks, we'd be better off with Pete Greenwell or even Lofty.

I always go for pace and work rate over the ability to set yourself on fire

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 12:52 am

You can be usain bolt as far as pace is concerned, but if you get to the ball first, but ultimately do shag all with it, don’t pass it, forget which foot you wanted to kick it with, or shoot and give away a throw in, why bother running at all?

martin_p · Post by **martin_p** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:01 am

Whatever people think of him he’ll be starting on Wednesday night. So not much point in whining about him to be honest.

Japebe43 · Post by **Japebe43** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:03 am

Sterling is absolutely key to how this england side functions, he's an outstanding outlet for the side. If you can't see that, you've a bit to learn about football.

Rumbletonk · Post by **Rumbletonk** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:08 am

bobinho wrote:You can be usain bolt as far as pace is concerned, but if you get to the ball first, but ultimately do shag all with it, don’t pass it, forget which foot you wanted to kick it with, or shoot and give away a throw in, why bother running at all?

I wouldn't have started him but he was everywhere today. I don't know if its enough to justify a start against Croatia but he put a proper shift in and was a menace. Frustrated with some poor decisions but hopefully the appreciation he got when he was subbed will give him a boost. Strikes me as a confidence player, a standing ovation might just do the trick. Southgate will stick with him

bfc1984 · Post by **bfc1984** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:09 am

Those who think we would be better without him in the team are thick! YES I am I thick get myself but the lad is a top player! Was awesome today apart from the finishing,rashford still a bit raw yet.He will win us the wc sterling he is going to score a winner in these next two mark my words

bfc1984 · Post by **bfc1984** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:12 am

It's a bit sad to see but even the women in the pub was calling him today! But he is too drawer is the lad just needs a break

Japebe43 · Post by **Japebe43** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:16 am

bobinho wrote:Not arguing the reasons behind his selection, they are there for all to see, but his performances at the World Cup for England are poor.

You saw his contribution today in dangerous areas. Full of bad decisions and poor balls. You saw that right? Tell me you saw that? For example, tell me you saw him cut inside on 20 minutes and lose it when the only ball was out wide for trips/walker (can’t temember who was outside him) to whip in a delicious ball? He “got away” with it because Kane came from nowhere to have a shot, but only after sterling lost the ball when it should’ve been on its way out wide then into the box. One example from plenty.

He was poor. Very, very poor.

I'm sorry but you are incorrect.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:20 am

Japebe43 wrote:I'm sorry but you are incorrect.

Well, you’re having the best of the argument so far...

No need to be sorry tho... it’s just a discussion.

Japebe43 · Post by **Japebe43** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:22 am

bobinho wrote:Well, you’re having the best of the argument so far...

No need to be sorry tho... it’s just a discussion.

I wanted to be harsher on you, but then remembered stuff like that is cowardly over the internet.

thelaughingclaret · Post by **thelaughingclaret** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:35 am

Sterling has pace and that is it. He has no skill on the ball and no strength. Yes he does get into good positions, like he did yesterday when he should have scored, but what’s the point of he has no end product? You can’t carry passengers at this stage of the tournament. If sterling played for us or Huddersfield would he be in the starting 11? Would he even be in the squad? For me both Sterling and Ali haven’t been good enough in this tournament. I feel they are on the pitch just because they play for city and Spurs. Yes Ali scored a goal but that doesn’t make up for him being woeful in every game including yesterday so far. For me I’d have cheek on and Vardy on in place of Sterling and Ali. If Vardy played for city and cheek played for spurs, and if sterling played for Leicester and Ali played for palace do you think both sterling and Ali would be guarneteed to be in the starting 11?
This is not about how well you played last season or the season before or the season before that, it’s about your form right now at this moment in time, that is what wins games and trophy’s.

Rumbletonk · Post by **Rumbletonk** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:39 am

Japebe43 wrote:I wanted to be harsher on you, but then remembered stuff like that is cowardly over the internet.

The quickest to resort to petty insults will be the weak ones

Japebe43 · Post by **Japebe43** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:39 am

thelaughingclaret wrote:Sterling has pace and that is it. He has no skill on the ball and no strength. Yes he does get into good positions, like he did yesterday when he should have scored, but what’s the point of he has no end product? You can’t carry passengers at this stage of the tournament. If sterling played for us or Huddersfield would he be in the starting 11? Would he even be in the squad? For me both Sterling and Ali haven’t been good enough in this tournament. I feel they are on the pitch just because they play for city and Spurs. Yes Ali scored a goal but that doesn’t make up for him being woeful in every game including yesterday so far. For me I’d have cheek on and Vardy on in place of Sterling and Ali. If Vardy played for city and cheek played for spurs, and if sterling played for Leicester and Ali played for palace do you think both sterling and Ali would be guarneteed to be in the starting 11?
This is not about how well you played last season or the season before or the season before that, it’s about your form right now at this moment in time, that is what wins games and trophy’s.

You do realise this team have got us to the semi final of the world cup? Shearer, scholes, Beckham, lampard, Gerrard, Rooney etc all FAILED to do this..

What exactly are you asking for?

Wile E Coyote · Post by **Wile E Coyote** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:43 am

useless player, misses sitter after sitter, looks like a bloke that has just found some football kit and tried it on for size.

Rumbletonk · Post by **Rumbletonk** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:50 am

If Alli handn't scored we wouldn't be talking about Sterling. The best thing today about was a dominant performance and Kane didn't shine.

bfcmik · Post by **bfcmik** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:58 am

Reading this thread highlights why we are talking about footballers on a free to use messageboard and not being paid a fortune to manage a football team.

Damo · Post by **Damo** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:58 am

I thought he played well today other than when he got anywhere near the 18 yard box.
Frightened the life out of Sweden's back 4.
Looks like he desperately needs a goal and a bit short of confidence.
His chance conversion rate is poor but we all know that

Wile E Coyote · Post by **Wile E Coyote** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 2:10 am

he desperately needs to do what he's paid a kings ransom for, ...but he is so inept, he never will.

bfc1984 · Post by **bfc1984** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 2:26 am

Wile E Coyote wrote:he desperately needs to do what he's paid a kings ransom for, ...but he is so inept, he never will.

Please don't jump up when he scores next time out! Just keep reminding yourself how inept he is!we may not of won that game if he was not on that pitch he was superb

winsomeyen · Post by **winsomeyen** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 8:04 am

bfc1984 wrote:Those who think we would be better without him in the team are thick! YES I am I thick get myself but the lad is a top player! Was awesome today apart from the finishing,rashford still a bit raw yet.He will win us the wc sterling he is going to score a winner in these next two mark my words

Surely thats like saying weve got a great striker but he cant score goals.

Rileybobs · Post by **Rileybobs** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 8:39 am

thelaughingclaret wrote:Sterling has pace and that is it. He has no skill on the ball and no strength. Yes he does get into good positions, like he did yesterday when he should have scored, but what’s the point of he has no end product? You can’t carry passengers at this stage of the tournament. If sterling played for us or Huddersfield would he be in the starting 11? Would he even be in the squad? For me both Sterling and Ali haven’t been good enough in this tournament. I feel they are on the pitch just because they play for city and Spurs. Yes Ali scored a goal but that doesn’t make up for him being woeful in every game including yesterday so far. For me I’d have cheek on and Vardy on in place of Sterling and Ali. If Vardy played for city and cheek played for spurs, and if sterling played for Leicester and Ali played for palace do you think both sterling and Ali would be guarneteed to be in the starting 11?
This is not about how well you played last season or the season before or the season before that, it’s about your form right now at this moment in time, that is what wins games and trophy’s.

Do you think there might be a reason why Sterling plays for Manchester City rather than Leicester?

Socrates · Post by **Socrates** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 9:16 am

Raheem Sterling.

23 years old.

League title winner. League Cup winner. Liverpool debut at 17. League title runner up. Played in a Champions League semi-final. About to play in a World Cup Semi Final. European Golden Boy winner (award for best U21 player in Europe). Selected by one of the most prestigious and progressive managers in the game every week. Universally lauded by the media. World Cup winner Klinsmann raved about him.

But Bob in the pub says he’s crap.

Socrates · Post by **Socrates** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 9:18 am

“Show me what he does” people say.

But I can’t. It’s like trying to explain classical music to a dog.