Chelsea star Raheem Sterling reveals he is at his best as a winger but is open to playing anywhere
Talking on the Kelly and Wrighty Show (h/t Metro), Chelsea star Raheem Sterling revealed that his best position is playing as a winger, but he is open to doing what the manager wants from him.
The former Manchester City forward has been used as a left wing-back in the last two games by boss Graham Potter. He was used in that position last month against RB Salzburg as well.
The manager has explained this decision to make sure Sterling is high and wide when the team is in possession. But, against Brighton and Hove Albion, things did fall apart because the 27-year-old is not a natural wing-back. There was a lot of space behind for the Seagulls to expose.
When asked about this wing-back experiment and what his favourite position is, here’s Sterling (h/t Metro):
“It is a completely diffident shape. I haven’t played in a back five for a while but it is something the manager has asked me to do and it is something I am more than happy to do.
“When we have got the ball, I am high and wide but of course you have to defend. But the more I’m next to the box, the better I am for myself.
“But the more time I have to figure it out in this position, I am more than happy to play it. I feel my best position is a winger, that’s for sure.”
After a promising start to life as a Chelsea player, goals have dried up for Sterling in the last month or so. The last time he scored a goal in either competition was against Salzburg on September 14. Ironically, he was playing as a wing-back that night.
But, with what we have seen of the Englishman in the past, he is a winger who likes to get into the opposition box and score goals. He is very good at taking on defenders and backing them into the box before unleashing a shot or assisting a goal.
As a winger, a player has to track back and defend. However, it is different when that winger is used as a wing-back. If he plays as a latter, then he has to distribute his attention evenly in attack and defence.
On the other hand, when he can play in his natural position, he can focus on troubling the opposition defender first before tracking back to help out the defence.
More Chelsea News:
- Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe handpicks Chelsea target Leandro Trossard for January transfer move
- Tony Cascarino tells Chelsea to get a striker better than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang next summer
- Real Madrid wanted to sign Raheem Sterling but could not due to certain rules
Potter not having a pre-season with this squad would lead to certain decisions not going well. This seems like one of them. It would work the more they train and spend time together. But, the manager could be better off playing Sterling in his natural position and making him a goal threat.