Chelsea finished on 6th position in the Premier League last season. This caused a big disappointment in the fans. The club missed Champions League spot for yet another season. In addition, they were pushed even more backwards by Manchester United. United defeated Manchester City in FA Cup final and sent Chelsea to Europa League. As a result, the club decided to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino. Enzo Maresca has been made the new manager. He is currently busy in trying out his plans and choosing the best starting 11. Raheem Sterling who was linked with away move has impresses Chelsea under Maresca. He now seems very likely to stay next season.
Chelsea are currently getting ready for the next season in United States. They have played 4 pre-season games as per now. Out of those, the club has only been able to win one. One was tied whereas Chelsea had to face defeat in remaining two. However, these matches are friendly and for trying out new tactics. In addition, Enzo Maresca is new manager so these results should not be considered as bad. Maresca is trying to impose his tactics and choose the best players that fit in his plan.
Raheem Sterling fits in the plans of new Chelsea boss
Maresca is constantly changing his starting 11 for every match. This was expected as this are pre-season games. One player who has been very good is Raheem Sterling. Sterling seems to have adapted to the new system of Maresca quickly. He played in all of the four matches, either as a starter or as a substitute.
Sterling came in as a sub against Wrexham at half time. He was able to create two chances along with one shot on target. Sterling again came in as a substitute against Celtic where Chelsea had to face defeat. However, Sterling was very good and was able to achieve 3 shots. Out of those 3, one was on target whilst one hit the woodwork.
Sterling then started against Club America and helped the team a lot. He played 62 minutes. He was again used as a substitute against Manchester City. Chelsea had to face defeat in this match but City’s former star Raheem Sterling had a very good game. He was able to score a goal against his former club. Sterling has been able to constantly put impressive performances. It seems like he has booked his place in the squad for the next season.
Enzo Maresca admires the 29 year old winger
According to GiveMeSport, Sterling is a very good fit in Maresca’s plans. In addition, he is admired by Maresca. Maresca was asked about the position of Sterling. Chelsea boss said that he wants to use Sterling as a winger. In addition, he said that he does not seem Sterling in any other position.
Later, Maresca said that Sterling is one of their best players available. To conclude, he said that sometimes Sterling plays from the start whereas sometimes he goes inside. To clarify the situation, Maresca said that the most important thing right now is to give Sterling the playing minutes.
Sterling’s time at Stamford Bridge
Raheem Sterling signed for Chelsea in 2022 from Manchester City for £47.5 million. He was one the best City players when he joined Chelsea. However his form seemed to dip down ever since his move to West London. Sterling had several impressive seasons with City. He finished the 2021/22 season by scoring 17 goals and providing 8 assists in 47 matches.
However he was unable to keep that form at Chelsea. Sterling scored 9 goals and gave 4 assists in 38 matches in his first season with Chelsea. His second season was better than first one where he was able to double the amount of assists. Sterling played 43 matches last season and scored 10 goals. However that was not enough for him to earn the spot in England’s national team. Sterling has not made any international appearance since the end of 2022 Fifa World Cup. It would be interesting to see wheter Sterling is able to redeem himself in the 2024/25 season under Maresca.
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