Frank Lampard hints at big role for Raheem Sterling at Chelsea
Chelsea caretaker manager Frank Lampard has hinted Raheem Sterling will be an important part of his plans at the club, having often used the England international as a ‘reference’ to other wingers he has worked with in all of his previous coaching roles.
Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City last summer for a fee close to £50m. But after 131 goals in 339 games and 10 major trophies for his former club, the 28-year-old has struggled to make an impact for a Chelsea side in transition.
At this stage of his debut season back in west London, where he first started out with QPR, Sterling has managed only seven goal involvements in 29 appearances across all competitions. Hamstring trouble that ruled him out of games in January and March also hasn’t helped, making his first Premier League start in over a month in Lampard’s first game back – a defeat to Wolves.
"I think he's a fantastic player. He's been one of the best wingers in the world for a long time, maybe in some people's opinion, the best,” the returning interim boss gushed.
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“I can't remember how many times I've referenced to young wingers when I was here previously at Chelsea, at Derby and Everton actually - watch Raheem Sterling and see why he scores 20 goals a season plus so I have the highest feeling for him in that sense.
"I've spoken to him a little bit in the last couple of days [and] we also have to get the right team structure to make it best for the players and then drive them, and of course I’ve only been here a couple of days, to get the best out of them so I'll speak to Raheem more.
“I just think he's a top player. Those things are always kind of like 50/50 for me – getting the right structure for the player and then the player themselves but Raheem has shown what a player he is.”
Analysis
Raheem Sterling has enjoyed a hugely successful career to date, but helping to turn Chelsea's fortunes around will perhaps be his toughest test.
He has excelled in superb Liverpool and Manchester City sides, but hasn't really had to overcome the shocking run of results that Chelsea have endured at any stage. Yes, Sterling has had to overcome personal adversity and criticism - an unfair amount of that has been levelled at him despite his success - but he's not used to things going so wrong around him.
Lampard's right when he says that Sterling has an important role to play because of his experience, but those around him must also look to get the most out of his skillset. He thrives running in behind and getting on the end of square balls across the penalty area, so that's perhaps something the coaching staff need to look at in terms of style. Why pay £50m for a proven winner if you're not then going to play to his strengths?
LISTEN NOW
On this edition of Son of Chelsea, part of the 90min podcast network, Daniel Childs reacts to Frank Lampard's return as caretaker manager and reports that Luis Enrique could be the club's new permanent boss. If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!