Former Chelsea left-back Scott Minto has argued that Raheem Sterling is uncapable of striking the ball properly.
Chelsea star Sterling has faced a wave of criticism since the Blues beat Leicester City in the FA Cup last time out, a match in which his own fans booed him.
The 29-year-old missed a penalty in the first half and Mauricio Pochettino was forced to defend his player after the quarter-final victory over the Foxes.
Sterling is determined to win over Chelsea supporters, though, and is keen to help bring major silverware to west London.
But Minto has raised concerns over Sterling as he told talkSPORT: ‘Raheem Sterling missed a one-on-one [versus Leicester City]; he missed a penalty where he shouldn’t really have taken it in the first place.
‘Remember that penalty he scored against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge and he handled all the pressure against his former team, in the last minute with everyone watching and he was able to handle it?
‘And Raheem Sterling, as good a player as he is and it seems ridiculous to say, because I’d hate to have marked him, but he’s never really struck the ball really well as a professional footballer. So I wouldn’t have him on free-kicks or penalties.’
Meanwhile, Paul Merson has warned Sterling that he has little to no chance of being in the England squad for Euro 2024 this summer.
‘Euro 2024 has gone for Raheem Sterling now,’ Merson said. ‘‘When Sterling’s hot, he’s unplayable and he turns up in big tournaments.
‘I don’t know if Gareth Southgate has made his mind up on him but I don’t see him at the Euros. It’s hard to make a case for him after the weekend.’
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