Jamie Carragher has praised Raheem Sterling’s qualities and achievements throughout his career, not just during his ill-fated spell at Chelsea after his contract was broken.
Raheem Sterling’s spell at Chelsea didn’t go to plan (Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher is adamant that Raheem Sterling is “one of the best English players of his generation” and wonders why the free agent has consistently missed out on accolades.
The forward believes his underwhelming spell at Chelsea has come to an end after both sides mutually opted to terminate his contract early. This will keep Sterling in the market, but its recent struggles are still fresh in its mind.
After a brilliant spell at Manchester City, starring in a Premier League-winning season, he fell through the ranks at the Etihad and failed to rediscover his best form when he moved to London.
The Blues paid just under £50m to secure Sterling’s presence in the summer of 2022, although he ultimately never achieved that figure, with Sky Sports pundits claiming in the Telegraph: “No player should be vilified as the club judged Sterling’s value and changed their mind two years later. Whatever Chelsea paid for Sterling reflects his status at the time of signing.”
Sterling burst onto the scene at Liverpool and came close to competing for the Premier League title as a teenager before being sent off and heading to Manchester.
read more: Raheem Sterling in talks with seven clubs over transfer after leaving Chelsearead more: Tottenham considering raiding Raheem Sterling after controversial departure from Chelsea
Sterling’s best moments came at the Etihad under Josep Guardiola. He won numerous titles and was a mainstay of England’s side under manager Gareth Southgate, scoring three consecutive seasons of 20 or more goals and recording his best season as an individual.
Often overlooked when it comes to the highest praise, Carragher said: “There was a sense that Sterling could never win the love of others. I don’t know how he would rank on the list of England and Manchester City’s all-time greats. My suspicion is that he will rank lower than he should.”
Raheem Sterling had the best period of his career at Man City
The former Liverpool player also suggested that “if Sterling’s career had ended when he left Manchester City four years ago, he would have already achieved more by the age of 27 than most players do in a lifetime.”
Instead, Carragher admitted the 31-year-old was a victim of being overplayed after becoming a regular as a teenager. That means he has a huge amount of mileage left, with doubts as to whether he will ever be able to return to the heights he once climbed.
Players such as Tottenham have been linked with Sterling, who boasts “one of the most impressive resumes of any free agent in the history of football” and would not hesitate to make an offer.
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