Manchester City filling out into top contender with ‘top player’ Kevin De Bruyne thriving

Manchester City are beginning to realise their powerful potential, with some key players back on duty and Kevin De Bruyne’s influence on the rise as the Premier League leaders head to Stoke City on Saturday.

De Bruyne has had an outstanding start to his City career since signing from Wolfsburg at the end of the August.

The Belgium star’s two goals against Hull City in the League Cup quarter-finals at midweek means De Bruyne has contributed nine goals and eight assists since his club record £55 million (Dh305m) transfer.

Teammate Raheem Sterling said De Bruyne’s all-action game is bringing the kind of contribution top clubs need from top players.

“He’s a top player. He’s someone that gets in and around the box and creates and scores goals. Every team needs a player like that,” said teammate Raheem Sterling.

“It’s most important. That’s what big players do and we’re happy to have him at this football club.

“But if you saw him in Germany, the number of goals he was involved in, it was obvious he had quality.

“It’s always a test for players to come to England, play regularly and contribute but that’s what he’s done. Credit to him, he’s been incredible.”

City’s injury list is also gradually clearing up with goalkeeper Joe Hart and striker Sergio Aguero doubtful for the trip to the Britannia Stadium, but in line to play against Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on Tuesday. Manager Manuel Pellegrini admits he is delighted to have those figures returning.

And, significantly for City’s hopes of maintaining their position at the top of the Premier League, Spain midfielder David Silva and Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Bony proved they are back to full fitness by helping City thrash Hull to reach the League Cup semi-finals.

Silva started his first game since early October after recovering from an ankle injury, while Bony scored on his first start since the beginning of November following hamstring trouble.

That duo’s return is well-timed as City look to pull clear of second placed Leicester City, who are only behind the leaders on goal difference.

“It was very important for David to have 80 minutes after a long injury,” Pellegrini said.

“It was also important for Bony to play for 65 minutes after he only recovered from a muscle injury a few days before Saturday.

“It is great for all the players to be involved in all competitions.”

City’s squad strength is likely to be tested if they are to sustain a challenge for four trophies, including the FA Cup when they begin that run in January.

Leicester and Jamie Vardy out to keep running wild + EPL UAE times

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy can make history for the second weekend running when the Premier League’s early-season over-achievers visit slip-sliding Swansea City on Saturday.

Vardy’s goal in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United saw him set a new Premier League record of scoring in 11 consecutive matches, eclipsing the mark set by United old boy Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2003.

Should he score at Swansea, Vardy will equal an even more historic mark: Jimmy Dunne’s English top-flight record from 1931/32 of scoring in 12 successive games for Sheffield United.

But the England striker has played down the significance of the new milestone, telling Sky Sports: “I just have my eyes on helping Leicester get three points at the weekend.

“If someone else gets the winning goal, then I am more than happy.”

While Leicester go into the weekend level on points with leaders Manchester City, Swansea are just four points above the relegation zone following a run of one win in 10 matches.

It has led to speculation about the future of manager Garry Monk, who knows that his side’s ability to contain former non-league player Vardy could be a determining factor in the outcome of the match.

“We obviously have experience of coming up through the leagues and we have players that have come through to this level,” Monk told his pre-match press conference.

“Our club will appreciate a story like that, but it’s our job to maybe put an end to that story.”

Manchester City have an opportunity to put pressure on the chasing pack as they visit Stoke City, their fellow League Cup semi-finalists, in the Saturday lunchtime fixture.

With progress assured in both the League Cup and the Champions League, Manuel Pellegrini’s side can plough all their resources into the league campaign ahead of a sequence of six matches in 24 days.

“Now it is the most difficult time in the league with games coming thick and fast, one after the other,” said City forward Raheem Sterling.

“We basically have to take it slow, win game after game and get a good run going.”

Third-place Manchester United could be forgiven for having their thoughts elsewhere as they gear up for Saturday’s home game against West Ham United.

On Tuesday they visit Wolfsburg for a match they are likely to have to win to secure a place in the Champions League last 16, leaving manager Louis van Gaal with a dilemma over who to select for the visit of West Ham.

But injuries have already forced his hand, with Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Jesse Lingard and Ander Herrera all doubtful, while Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia are long-term absentees.

Another manager ruing a long injury list is Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger, who will be without star forward Alexis Sanchez and midfielder Santi Cazorla – to name but two players – for the home game with Sunderland.

Wenger has become accustomed to losing key performers in recent seasons, but he sought to accentuate the positive side-effects of the situation as his team look to end a run of three matches without victory.

“It’s always a disappointment to lose the players at an important moment of the season,” the Frenchman told the Arsenal website.

“But on the other hand, it’s a great challenge to take for the team and a great opportunity to show that we are ready for a fight and we can deal with it.”

Champions Chelsea, languishing in 14th place, will expect to continue their recent improvement at home to a Bournemouth team who have gone eight games without a win and shipped 18 goals in six outings.

Eddie Howe’s side could therefore prove ideal opposition for the return of Diego Costa, who is likely to be recalled after spending Chelsea’s 0-0 draw at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend stewing on the bench.

While Spurs, who visit West Bromwich Albion, remain unbeaten in 13 league games, they are at risk of being outflanked by Liverpool, whose 6-1 League Cup win at Southampton on Wednesday was their seventh in eight games.

Jurgen Klopp’s side, who trail fifth-place Tottenham by two points, visit second-bottom Newcastle United on Sunday.

Fixtures (UAE times)

Saturday

Stoke City v Manchester City (4.45pm), Arsenal v Sunderland (7pm), Manchester United v West Ham United (7pm), Southampton v Aston Villa (7pm), Swansea City v Leicester City (7pm), Watford v Norwich City (7pm), West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur (7pm), Chelsea v Bournemouth (9.30pm)

Sunday

Newcastle United v Liverpool (8pm)

Monday

Everton v Crystal Palace (Midnight)

Man City cruise through after Raheem Sterling strikes

Raheem Sterling was among the scorers as Manchester City put Saturday’s defeat behind them with a comprehensive 4-1 win at Sunderland in the Capital One Cup.

The England forward scored the last of four first-half goals as City, who surrendered their perfect start to the Premier League season at home to West Ham United last weekend, eased into the fourth round.

England U19s forward Patrick Roberts also featured for City at the Stadium of Light after coming off the bench in the second half.

Elsewhere, Ross Barkley netted on his 100th Everton appearance as the Toffees came from behind to beat Championship side Reading 2-1.

Nick Blackman scored for the Royals but Everton – who also had Phil Jagielka, John Stones and Brendan Galloway in action – fought back through Barkley and Gerard Deulofeu.

England U21s keeper Jordan Pickford saved a Dan Gosling penalty as Preston North End took Premier League Bournemouth to a shootout but the Cherries prevailed.

With the scores level at 2-2 after extra time, Pickford kept his side in it by keeping out Bournemouth’s third spot kick but the visitors went on to win the shootout 3-2.

England Under-20s trio Chuba Akpom, Isaac Hayden and Moses Odubajo all featured as Hull City upset Premier League Swansea 1-0, David Meyler with the game’s only goal.

Matt Grimes started the clash for Swansea and was replaced by Jonjo Shelvey in the second half but neither could inspire an equaliser.

Andy Carroll and Carl Jenkinson both started West ham’s trip to in-form Leicester City but they were helpless to deny the Foxes a 2-1 victory, Andy King netting the winner late in extra time.

Jack Stephens appeared off the bench as Middlesbrough completed an impressive 3-0 win against Wolves, who had Dominic Iorfa in defence.

And Birmingham teenager Demarai Gray could not prevent Aston Villa securing a 1-0 derby triumph, while Cauley Woodrow was in action as Fulham lost to Stoke by the same scoreline.

Sunderland 1 Manchester City 4: Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling on target in 'important' win

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini was delighted with his team's response to two defeats as they piled more misery on Sunderland in a 4-1 Capital One Cup rout at the Stadium of Light.

City, who were beaten by Juventus in the Champions League and West Ham in the Barclays Premier League in the space of five days last week, raced into a 4-0 lead inside 36 minutes through a Sergio Aguero penalty, a Kevin De Bruyne strike, a Vito Mannone own goal and a Raheem Sterling effort.

"Really it was important to win the way we did today because we have just come from two important defeats, one in the Champions League and the other in the Premier League, so it was important to start this Capital One Cup in the way that we did in the first half," Pellegrini said.

"It's important to win. Maybe we didn't deserve to lose the two games that we lost, but we did, so it was important not to continue in that sense."

Ola Toivonen's late consolation did little to ease the mood of gloom on Wearside, but Pellegrini's opposite number Dick Advocaat - whose side sit at the foot of the Premier League table - was buoyed by elements of the Black Cats' performance.

The Dutchman said: "Maybe you think I am negative, but I am negative, but I am not. Yes, negative that we lost 4-1, but the way we played in the first 25 minutes, it was very positive."

Steve Bruce's Hull claimed a Premier League scalp as David Meyler's first-half effort sunk 2013 winners Swansea 1-0 at the KC Stadium.

Tigers midfielder Jake Livermore, having not played since it emerged in May that he had tested positive for cocaine, was given a rousing ovation before kick-off and again when he was replaced midway through the second half, and Bruce believes the former Tottenham man is ready to get his career back on track.

"It was a big night for Jake for obvious reasons and I'm sure he appreciated the support he got from our fans," Bruce said of the 25-year-old, who was cleared to return less than two weeks ago after the Football Association took the death of his newborn son as exceptional mitigating circumstances.

"He's had the support of the club from the moment this happened and now he's played his first game he can get back on with his career."

Rudy Gestede headed a 62nd-minute winner as Aston Villa edged home 1-0 in a tight derby clash with Birmingham at Villa Park, while Everton survived a scare as they came from behind to win 2-1 at Reading.

A 33rd-minute effort from Peter Crouch proved enough for Stoke to beat Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage, and Middlesbrough cruised to a 3-0 win over Wolves at the Riverside Stadium with two goals from Albert Adomah and one for Diego Fabbrini.

Andy King headed the winner four minutes from the end of extra time as Leicester beat West Ham 2-1 at the King Power Stadium, while Bournemouth held their nerve to edge past Championship Preston on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Deepdale.

The third-round action continues on Wednesday when Spurs host Arsenal, Chelsea visit Walsall, Manchester United take on Ipswich, Liverpool tackle Carlisle, Newcastle face Sheffield Wednesday, Crystal Palace play Charlton, Norwich meet West Brom and Southampton travel to MK Dons.

Raheem Sterling was involved in one of the transfer sagas of the summer

His protracted and often ugly departure from Liverpool caused controversy and debate before he eventually completed his £49m move to Manchester City.

Raheem Sterling of Manchester City celebrates scoring

But six weeks later Sterling is proving his worth and all the question marks, doubts and snide remarks seem a distant memory.

Sterling is proving his worth, he is showing that all the fuss was worthwhile and he has been a central figure in City's remarkable and perfect start to the season.

The 20-year-old has scored his first goal for City, provided an assist and has helped Manuel Pellegrini's side climb to the top of the Premier League.

It is important to remember that the central part of Sterling's argument was not about money but because he wanted to move to win trophies and also to improve as a player to strengthen his chances for England.

Sterling is key to Roy Hodgson's plans for Euro 2016 and if he is playing with confidence and belief at City then it will only benefit England who have a double header with San Marino and Switzerland up next.

England boss Hodgson started with Sterling in the No10 role in the first game of last year’s World Cup against Italy. That's how important Hodgson views Sterling.

With his pace, movement and creativity, Sterling can grow at City and become England's best player in the future.

It surely justifies his decision to leave and move for the good of his career and development.

Even though it's only the end of August, Sterling is playing in the most exciting and dynamic team in the country, they are top of the table and playing some super stuff.

He has shown mental strength to handle the move, cope with the pressure of the spotlight and also show the price tag is not a burden.

Many players, more experienced and with more miles on the clock, have really struggled under that sort of pressure and expectation.

There is also a nice connection with the City fans, making a habit of giving away his shirt at the end of games.

The supporters are enjoying his performances and have taken to him.

Raheem Sterling Poses with Fabian Delph for 'Snakes on a Plane' Instagram Post

Fair play to Raheem Sterling.

The Manchester City winger might not be the most popular man in football after his move from Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium, but at least he’s retained a sense of humour.

Sterling posed for a photo with Fabian Delph—who also joined the Citizens in the summer transfer window—and posted it on Instagram with a message that includes two snakes. The pair are on a plane flying to San Marino for England’s Euro 2016 qualifier.

Sterling turned down a £100,000-a-week contract at Anfield in a very public way last season, per BBC Sport, whilst Delph pledged his allegiance to Aston Villa before making his move to the Premier League title challengers less than a week later.

Where’s Samuel L. Jackson when you need him?

Raheem Sterling will be made into a great footballer by fan abuse

Manchester City's new signing is currently the most-hated man in football, and it will be the making of the former Liverpool player Raheem Sterling, as it was for David Beckham, John Terry and Ashley Cole

Chasing a dream and/or lots more money: Raheem Sterling in pre-season action for his new club Photo: AFP

Hate will make Raheem Sterling a great player

Fan abuse will be the making of Raheem Sterling. The Hate will commence in earnest on Monday night, at West Bromwich Albion, because he transferred away from Liverpool for £49million this summer. Should he care? Only in that it will help him become the player he was born to be.

Firstly, no footballer worth his stupidly large headphones gives a monkey’s if the fans boo them.

We supporters who “pay their wages” are nothing more than a walking wallet to Premier League footballers. And why should they think any different? Most people in most lines of work wouldn’t mind their job if it wasn’t for the customers, and footballers are no different. The opinions of people who know nothing about what it means to be a professional footballer mean nothing to the players.

Fans talk about loyalty and betrayal. Grow up. The concept of loyalty to a football club is the sort of thing that children believe in. As in any other job, footballers are used by their employer and when their usefulness expires, they are discarded. Only a mug would be loyal to a football club who will buy and sell them like cattle when it suits.

First class travel: Raheem Sterling was on the move this summer  Photo: EPA

Sterling will walk a line that many have before in the Premier League, the role of public enemy number one for the adult babies on the terraces. He takes his place in a pantheon of pantomime villains that has run from David Beckham to John Terry. Most of the most significant players of the last couple of decades have been hated at some point, and Sterling will become a better footballer for it.

In 1998, Beckham was hung in effigy in the streets for getting sent off against Argentina; within four years he was the most popular footballer in the country, and is now nearly universally liked.

Hanged: Fans in Norwood expressed their hatred of David Beckham after the 1998 World Cup  Photo: COLLECT

The man who inherited his number seven shirt at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, went from derided, pouting show pony to the best footballer on the planet.

Ashley Cole nearly crashed his car when he was only offered a five grand pay-rise, left Arsenal in protest at the outrageous slur, and became a European champion and probably the best left-back in the world.

Ashley Cole rarely seemed bothered by the mountain of hatred he attracted  Photo: ACTION IMAGES

Sol Campbell left Tottenham to become an Invincible, the vile taunts of Tottenham fans spurring him on to becoming one of the great political thinkers of his time. Well, perhaps not.

Spurs fans make their point to Sol Campbell via the always enjoyable medium of the A4 printout  Photo: AFP/GETTY

Being pilloried in the press as a racist as a racist (even though he was found not guilty in court of a racially aggravated public order offence against Anton Ferdinand) and as a love rat made John Terry only more determined to carry on playing and put it up to the knockers and the boo boys.

The sheer bloody-mindedness of elite sportspeople should never be underestimated. Only the second-raters are ever lessened by abuse from the peanut gallery.

Leaving the warm bath of modest expectation and Brentdon’s arm-around-the-shoulder style will propel Sterling on to the next level. Hatred from the terraces will galvanize him, add a hardness to his already exceptional talent.

A further cautionary tale for fans looking to boo Sterling should be the case of Robbie Savage. Savage absolutely gloried in his pariah status and managed to parlay it into an ubiquitous post-playing media career.

Ask yourself if you want to be watching Raheem Sterling on Match Of The Day in 15 years’ time.

If the answer is “God, no thanks” then keep your mouth shut. These people do not need any encouragement.

Stuttgart 4-2 Man City: Pre-season ends in defeat for City

Raheem Sterling brought a positive end to City's dismal defeat in Stuttgart

Manchester City ended an indifferent pre-season campaign with a heavy defeat as they slipped to a 4-2 defeat to Stuttgart, with only a late flourish from Raheem Sterling rescuing some pride.

Manuel Pellegrini sent out a strong starting line-up, featuring record signing Sterling, with Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and new recruit, Fabian Delph, the only notable absentees.

But Stuttgart, who only just avoided relegation from the Bundesliga last season, found themselves 4-0 up inside 38 minutes at the Mercedes Benz Arena.

Timo Baumgartl vies for the ball with Vincent Kompany and Bacary Sagna

First Filip Kostic put them in front before Daniel Didavi scored a fine second and Daniel Ginczek added two more past a helpless Joe Hart in the City goal, to the delight of the 40,000 in attendance.

City improved after the break, however, with Sterling setting up Nigerian teenager Kelechi Iheanacho to get a goal back six minutes from time.

And Sterling was the provider again for substitute Edin Dzeko to make it 4-2 on what could be the Bosnian striker's last appearance for the club, with a move to Roma imminent.

Stuttgart forward Daniel Ginczek celebrates his goal

City, who had previously spent time in Australia and played a friendly in Vietnam this pre-season, begin their Premier League campaign against West Bromwich Albion next week at The Hawthorns on Monday Night Football.

Man City new boy Raheem Sterling's Liverpool FC reunion to be televised

The latest TV fixtures have been announced, revealing the time and date changes for October and November.

Sterling scored on his first City appearance against Roma

Raheem Sterling will get the chance to take on Liverpool in front of the Sky cameras on November 21.

Sky have moved the game to a 5.30pm kick-off on the Saturday to see the first chance Raheem Sterling will have to play Brendan Rodgers' side since his acrimonious £44m departure.

Manchester City have enjoyed home fixtures against Liverpool recently, unbeaten in their last six home meetings against the Merseyside team.

It is no surprise to see that the Manchester derby has also been moved for television coverage. The game at Old Trafford will now be played on Sunday October 25, with kick-off at 2.05pm.

The only other game that has been moved in October and November is City's trip to Tim Sherwood's Aston Villa. Fabian Delph could feature against his old side on Sunday November 8, in a 1.30pm kick-off.

Fixture changes

Sun Oct 25 (2.05pm): United away
Sun Nov 8 (1.30pm): Villa away
Sat Nov 21 (5.30pm): Liverpool home

Joe Hart: Ex-Liverpool ace Raheem Sterling can deal with being a marked man

JOE HART is confident Raheem Sterling will cope with being a marked man this season.

Manchester City’s £49million attacker has already seen what life is going to be like as the most expensive English player ever while on tour in Australia.

Sterling, 20, was labelled a ‘money grabber’ and booed by fans on both the Gold Coast and in Melbourne reacting to his bitter departure from Liverpool over the summer.

And he was also given a taste of the attention he will get on the pitch when the Real Madrid defence got physical in what was supposed to be a pre-season friendly at the MCG on Friday night.

The England attacker had a real battle with Sergio Ramos and Pepe.

But Hart insists the youngster is more than capable of holding his own if Premier League defenders try to do the same this year.

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“He fully expects that. He bounces off players and he keeps going”

Joe Hart

“Raheem got a bit of treatment from Madrid but that’s what he’s going to get,” the City goalkeeper said.

“He fully expects that. He bounces off players and he keeps going.

“He’s going to be a great player for us.”

City - who have travelled from Australia to Vietnam to play the country’s national side in Hanoi tomorrow – were given a real lesson against Madrid as they were thrashed 4-1.

And defender Bacary Sagna admits the squad need to learn the lessons of that embarrassing defeat very quickly if they want to be ready for the start of the new season in just two weeks.

“We didn’t respond well to the way they attacked or the way they played,” the Frenchman said of Friday night’s humiliation.

“We have to work hard because in two weeks the season starts, so we still have time to talk to each and communicate a bit more.

“When we are not synchronised on the pitch it makes it difficult.

“I think we still have some things to learn and get better, but I am confident in the team.”

City are expected to discover today the full extent of summer signing Fabian Delph’s hamstring injury that saw him carried off on a stretcher after just 18 minutes of his debut against Madrid.

The club are hoping it is only a grade two strain at most.

But even that would keep him out for at least four weeks and if the news is worse then the former Aston Villa midfielder could be sidelined until November.

Joe Hart backs Raheem Sterling to shine for Manchester City

MANCHESTER CITY keeper Joe Hart is confident Raheem Sterling will cope with being a marked man this season.

Manchester City’s £49million attacker has already seen what life could be like as the most expensive British player while on tour in Australia. Sterling, 20, was called a ‘money grabber’ and booed by fans reacting to his bitter departure from Liverpool this summer. 

And he was given a taste of the attention he’ll get on the pitch when the Real Madrid defence got physical in what was supposed to be a friendly in Melbourne on Friday – which the Spanish side won 4-1. 

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Joe Hart has backed Raheem Sterling to do well at Manchester City

The England star had a real battle with the likes of Sergio Ramos and Pepe, but Hart insists Sterling is capable of holding his own if Premier League defenders try to do the same this year. Hart said: “Raheem got a bit of treatment from Madrid, but that’s what he’s going to get. “He will be a great player for us."

Raheem Sterling at Manchester City: Can he thrive like David Beckham?

Can Raheem Sterling shrug off the abuse as David Beckham did in 1998?

Raheem Sterling has put himself at the eye of the storm but that need not be a bad thing, writes Adam Bate.

When you're the most expensive English footballer of all time, you're up there to be shot at. One can almost sense the nation's casual fans collectively folding their arms: Let's see what you've got then. The more invested are rather less passive when it comes to their views on Raheem Sterling.

The intrigue was evident in the numbers who rushed to watch the video ofSterling's first goal in a Manchester City shirt following the controversial move from Liverpool earlier this month. But the antipathy had been clear moments earlier in the reaction to his initial slip upon receiving possession.

"He got a bit of abuse for his first touch but Raheem's a quality player," said City boss Manuel Pellegrini after seeing his new player in action in Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Roma. "He's going to get a little bit of stick, but I think people will get bored of it when he starts firing goals in."

That might seem a forlorn hope but there is a precedent in an unlikely example. Sterling was a child living in Jamaica when David Beckham became the most vilified player in England for his sending-off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup. Things soon got ugly. Effigies were burned.

Beckham was sent off against Argentina during the 1998 World Cup in France

There was already a backdrop of mistrust that had been evident when the Manchester United players were abused by England supporters in a warm-up game against Saudi Arabia, so when England boss Glenn Hoddle talked of Beckham's lack of focus in the tournament build-up, it fed into the stereotype.

Everything added to the public's sense that this was a petulant and pampered celebrity-footballer. It was a myth that Beckham set about exposing upon his return to the Premier League, starting with a last-minute equaliser against Leicester on the opening weekend. The tone was set.

Beckham became the target of abuse from rival supporters in the 1998/99 season

In United's treble-winning season, no outfield player made more than Beckham's 55 appearances and it was a year littered with magical moments. The free-kick against Barcelona. The FA Cup semi-final strike against Arsenal. And the assists. Seven in the Champions League alone before curling in those late crosses in the Nou Camp.

The season culminated in Beckham being named Champions League player of the year and finishing as the runner-up to Rivaldo in the Ballon d'Or voting. Vindication of sorts. "He's incredibly stubborn and single-minded is Becks," claimed Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville in his autobiography.

He’d worked so hard to get where he was and he wasn’t going to be deflected by abuse.

Neville on Beckham

"The word 'courage' is maybe overused in sport, but he showed plenty of it in the way he answered his many critics. He has incredible focus when it comes to achieving his goals. He'd worked so hard to get where he was and he wasn't going to be deflected by abuse." Sound familiar?

It was Sterling booed by England fans in their summer friendly against Ireland in Dublin. "He's so strong-minded, and it will make him a stronger person and make him better," said his then Liverpool team-mate Jordan Henderson. "He deals with it very well. I don't think he lets that bother him at all."

Sterling is driven. He's had to be to get this far. And while his oft-repeated mantra that he is "just focusing on football" might seem trite, that doesn't make it untrue. Sterling left Queens Park Rangers in order to help fulfil his potential and now that journey continues with Manchester City.

Nothing, it seems, will get in his way. It's been a recurring theme throughout Sterling's fledgling career. Asked if the laughing gas drama would distract his young forward, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers was emphatic. "He's a kid that's very strong-willed and strong-minded," said Rodgers.

He's a kid that's very strong-willed and strong-minded.

Rodgers on Sterling

For all the suggestions that Sterling was a victim of his agent's greed, character witnesses points to another explanation. "He's a really strong boy mentally," said Rodgers when the news broke. "What I know of Raheem is that he's a strong boy who is continuing to work hard. It hasn't affected him."

Sterling has some way to go before he can hope to emulate Beckham. Charity foundations, Olympic legacies and proposed knighthoods don't appear to be on the horizon just yet. In fact, a trophy would be a start. Nevertheless, there's a lesson in there somewhere.

Finding yourself at the eye of the storm might bring needless pressure. But top-level athletes have to be able to thrive on that attention. We'll find out plenty about Sterling's character as he runs the gauntlet over the course of the coming season. He might even find out a thing or two about himself.

"If it hadn't have happened, maybe I wouldn't be as strong as I am," Beckham told FourFourTwo in 2006. "[What happened in] 1999 was made more special because of '98, for coming through it." Maybe Raheem Sterling will have cause to feel the same way about putting himself in the firing line this time next year.

Raheem Sterling: Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez are both world-class

Raheem Sterling has become the most expensive English player in history, as he completed a 49 million pound move from Liverpool to Manchester City.
Raheem Sterling believes his new Manchester City teammate Sergio Aguero is the equal of his former Liverpool partner Luis Suarez. Sterling, 20, became City's record signing when he joined them for £49 million on Tuesday. The England international played alongside Barcelona's Champions League winner Suarez when the Uruguayan scored 31 goals in 33 league games for Liverpool to win the PFA Player of the Year and the Footballer of the Year awards in 2013-14. And he believes City top scorer Aguero, who succeeded Suarez as the winner of the Golden Boot last season, is a striker of the same ilk. "They are two players in the same category, both world-class players and can score from any moment in the game," Sterling told City's official website. "I am really looking forward to working with him as I did with Luis." Sterling did not win a trophy in his Liverpool career and said the chance to lift silverware inspired him to join City as he set his sights on becoming a Premier League champion. He added: "They have got world-class players and players I think are capable of winning things year in, year out. The team and the players Man City have got, they should be challenging for the title every year. This year should be no different." Sterling, who wore No. 31 for Liverpool, has opted to take the No. 7 shirt at the Etihad Stadium, which was vacated when James Milner left for Anfield. It is a number that acquired significance at his former club, where it was worn by Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish and Suarez, among others. "Over the years when you are watching football you see some great players and world-class players in the shirt," Sterling added. "It has always been one of my favourite numbers and I am glad I can be a player wearing that iconic number."

Raheem Sterling has the talent – but Manchester City need to see it every week

Raheem Sterling possesses the star quality to make Manchester City Premier League title-winners again and Champions League heavyweights, and he can have no excuses if he fails to justify his £49m fee


Raheem Sterling could prove to be good value for Manchester City at £49m if he plays to the potential he has shown at Liverpool. Photograph: Tim Ireland/AP

Raheem Sterling’s £49m acquisition is the instant reinvigoration Manchester City require. Since Carlos Tevez, David Silva, Sergio Agüero, Yaya Touré and Mario Balotelli arrived at the Etihad Stadium between 2009-11 the club has suffered a quality and glamour deficit.

Fernando, Fernandinho, Aleksandar Kolarov, Edin Dzeko, Stevan Jovetic, Eliaquim Mangala, Jesús Navas, Jack Rodwell, Javi García, Scott Sinclair. The Sheikh Mansour sales receipts have too often been marked John Lewis rather than Harrods as a long list of middling rather than boutique purchases were made.

With Sterling to don the sky blue livery next season, City signal an end to this. The team is refreshed and renewed. This single transfer means the XI Manuel Pellegrini can choose will be injected with a desperately needed cocktail of pace, youth, flair, skill and rawness that make the 20-year-old second only to Wayne Rooney in the England hierarchy.

Yet for some the jury remains out. Is the kid merely a mercenary? A puppet of his agent, Aidy Ward, and a chancer yet to prove himself? Prime fodder for the “what has he ever done in the game?” merchants.

One answer to the last question is to have made himself an established international as a teenager and started England’s opening World Cup game at Brazil 2014 against Italy in the vaunted No10 position. To shunt Wayne Rooney out to the left as Roy Hodgson was moved to do to his captain is no shabby entry on the Sterling CV. To rip apart Manchester United at Old Trafford when asked to play as a trequartista for virtually the first time as Sterling did in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory at Old Trafford two seasons ago is also no skeleton in the career closet.

That afternoon of 16 March 2014 was when the former Queens Park Rangers boy announced he could be a bona fide superstar. When the team-sheet fell and Brendan Rodgers had named the 19-year-old as the playmaker, the fulcrum of Liverpool at the home of their auld enemy, the cognoscenti’s eyebrows were raised.

Yet by the time Sterling was replaced on 72 minutes he had put the swagger and fluidity into a crushing win for the visitors. Here was irrefutable evidence of Sterling’s star quality and potential to pilot his career on a skyward trajectory.

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 Raheem Sterling’s selection in the No10 role for England’s World Cup match against Italy was confirmation of the high regard in which he is held by Roy Hodgson. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/for the Guardian

This becomes Sterling’s great challenge now: to elevate his displays to world-beater level on virtually every game day. It is the mark of the very best and how Pellegrini and fans hope he will perform. If he does so, personal satisfaction and team glory are the dividends. Sterling can be the difference in winning the Premier League or not. He can be the man who propels City beyond the last 16 of the Champions League (where they have fallen in the past two years) and into the competition’s business end.

In doing so Sterling would ease the burden on David Silva as team magician with his own ilk of X-factor. Pellegrini continually states he wishes his City to play just one way: on the front foot, constantly steamrollering the opposition. What Sterling can bring is a differing method of attack. A variety featuring strength, direction, scintillating dribbling and a Roadrunner turn of heel.

In his time as one of Liverpool’s three amigos, alongside Luis Suárez and Daniel Sturridge, Sterling thrived. Now he can join Silva and Agüero to form City’s own frightening attack trio. What Sterling certainly has is no excuses. In April’s BBC interview that made it clear he wanted out of Anfield, Sterling said: “It’s not about the money at all. It’s never been about money. I talk about winning trophies throughout my career. That’s all I talk about. I don’t talk about how many cars I’m going to drive, how many houses I’ve got. I just purely want to be the best I can be.”

He has his wish. He is surrounded by a far better class of footballer than at Liverpool. He is at a club that has paraded two Premier League championships in three seasons and which has serious pretensions to add the European Cup to the trophy room. So now is the time for Sterling to show he deserves the big move worth £180,000 a week and the chance to stack up the honours he claims are craved.

But the emphasis shifts. The onus is on him. Sterling’s quest is to be a serious factor in ensuring Manchester City regain the league title and the club becomes a genuine continental heavyweight. Achieve this and his £49m fee will be viewed a snip.