Only a couple of years back, Sterling was regarded among the best young players in the world. He set the Premier League alive with a bright start to his career. Sterling also managed to win the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2014.

But ever since his move to Manchester City, it has been a rough road for him. The pressure of a hefty price tag can take a toll on a young player’s confidence. Pep Guardiola has to be credited for showing faith in Sterling’s talent and bringing the best out of him.

A rough 12 months

Sterling’s move from Merseyside left a sour taste in the mouth of many football fans. He was tagged as money-minded footballer who had no respect for the game. The negative reaction for his controversial move was coupled with facing the brunt of the English supporters after a disastrous European championship in France.

The boos all around England and constant abuse on social media has made the last year a forgettable one for Sterling.

Reaction to competition

Although Guardiola has backed Sterling in public, he has brought in considerable amount of competition for him. Sterling will have to fight for his place in the team with the likes of Nolito, Jesús Navas, Leroy Sané and Gabriel for the two positions on the wing in Guardiola’s 4-3-3 formation.

While Nolito lacks pace, he has the end product that Sterling failed to provide last season. Sané and Gabriel, being highly rated youngsters will also be given chances as and when they are available.

With Sané lacking match fitness and Gabriel not joining the squad before January this season, it was very important Sterling started the season with a bang. It’s fair to say he’s done exactly that up until now.

His reaction to the pressure of new arrivals at the Etihad has been nothing short of impressive.

Improvement in form

Raheem Sterling has had a flying start to the season. He has finally started to look like the player Manchester City agreed to pay £49m for. The Englishman has got the confidence that was lacking for large parts of last season for club and country back.

Sterling is playing with the intent that was seen from him during his Liverpool days. He is showing more confidence in front of goal and is scoring and creating more goals.

Guardiola is clearly a big fan of his talent and believes that the right coaching will maximize his output.

Challenges ahead

Pep Guardiola is a very demanding manager. He doesn’t mind giving youngsters a chance at the expense of big names if they show promise. Sterling needs to keep his head down and work hard on the training pitch.

After enduring a tough start to life in Manchester, he’d like to prove his doubters wrong and headline a successful era under Pep Guardiola by adding more goals and assists to his game.

Image Courtesy: Sky Sports