Raheem Sterling showed exactly what he has to offer as the wing put in an impressive display in Manchester City’s victory over Sunderland.
Pep Guardiola’s new era at the club got off to an underwhelming start on Saturday as the side looked sloppy in possession and struggled to create clear-cut chances.
But on a day when many of City’s players failed to hit their groove, young England star Sterling put in one of his brightest displays in a City shirt thus far.
According to SASoccermag’s Opta-powered match stats, Sterling made 74 touches in his 90 minutes on the pitch, often looking to exploit his pace and trickery down the flanks.
Though the wing managed just one shot, which flew off target, he proved a constant menace and his movement and passing in and around the area were the source of many of City’s most dangerous attacks.
Having made 41 of his 52 attempted passes, Sterling also succeeded in winning the penalty for his side, which was duly fired home by Sergio Aguero. The wing also managed to win nine of his 14 individual duels.