Chelsea are signing one of the Premier League’s most underrated stars in Sterling

Transfer business might have been slow at Chelsea so far this summer but it is about to pick up as Raheem Sterling will complete a huge move from Manchester City.

Sterling is a player who has come in for more than his dose of criticism in the past. He has been branded wasteful and lacking in cutting edge, yet his numbers stack up well against any winger and, until recently, he appeared to have the full trust of Pep Guardiola, who is well established as one of the leading coaches in the world.

Indeed, there is an argument to suggest that he has been the most underrated Premier League player of recent years.

Sterling a proven performer

His goal return has hit double figures in each of the last five Premier League seasons, hitting a high of 20 during the 2019/20 campaign. Over this time, he has created 44 goals. Meanwhile, he has won the Premier League title on four occasions. Had he played for a side more media-friendly than Man City, he would doubtless have enjoyed more widespread acclaim for his achievements.

Even as he dropped out of favour last season, he still managed to be a decisive performer at clutch moments. Indeed, he scored three and set up another as City beat Newcastle and Wolves in the run in, while he also had a major role to play in the thrilling 3-2 win over Aston Villa that ultimately sealed the title. History will remember Ilkay Gundogan as the man who turned that match around – the German scored twice – but Sterling’s impact off the bench was equally profound, with the England winger setting up his team-mate’s opener with just 15 minutes left.

This, meanwhile, came from a player whose attitude earlier in his career had been questioned. There is no hint of that now from a man who is an established leader in the dressing room and has worn the captain’s armband for his country.

Sterling bids Man City farewell

Guardiola appreciation

“I have known Raheem for six seasons. I know him perfectly well. This season he was outstanding in goals and assists and his contribution to the team,” Guardiola said in February – well before Sterling had really hit his stride.

“During that period there are highs and lows. It’s part of life. Teams are not honeymoons. There are problems and we have to solve them. Nobody doubts how important he is. He is showing that. What I want is for all the players to play well.

“If we count the amount games he played since we are together, it is a lot. He’s been a key player.”

From precocious teen to world star

Throughout all the highs and lows that Guardiola discussed, it’s easy to forget that Sterling is a player still in his prime. He will not turn 28 until December, and while it’s easy to feel like that he’s been around forever, that’s primarily because he made his Liverpool debut so young.

Similarly, this is where the perceptions of his poor attitude arose, too. He made an ugly exit from Anfield to Manchester City, who were still something of an emerging force at that time and was tagged as greedy consequently. He has struggled to shake off the reputation he earned as a precocious – and perhaps somewhat naïve - teenager.

A year before his contract at the Etihad Stadium is up, he is set to leave City in altogether more amiable fashion, having matured into an elite and versatile forward.

Chelsea are picking up a massive talent. Sterling ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty expected goals over the last year compared to other attacking midfielders, and rates highly in terms of progressive carries and progressive passes received. Indeed, in virtually every key attacking metric, he is above average. For a club that has struggled to score goals lately, his versatility and high offensive output will be precious.

After falling down the pecking order at City, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is the ideal man to breath life back into his career. Sterling can be a star at Chelsea.