Former Arsenal legend Martin Keown has publicly advised his former club against signing Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling during the summer transfer window. Despite Sterling’s impressive resume and significant contributions to English football over the years, Keown believes that the 29-year-old England international might not be the best fit for the Gunners.
Raheem Sterling: A Star in Decline?
Raheem Sterling’s career has been a rollercoaster ride. From being one of the most exciting young talents at Liverpool to becoming a key player under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Sterling has had a successful career in English football. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to score goals, create opportunities, and make decisive runs that disrupt opposition defenses. However, his move to Chelsea in the summer of 2023 has not lived up to expectations.
Sterling’s first season at Stamford Bridge was marked by inconsistency and a lack of impact, leading to questions about his long-term future at the club. His struggles culminated in a significant blow when he was dropped from Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City last weekend. The decision by Chelsea’s manager Enzo Maresca to exclude Sterling from the first-team squad sent a clear message that the winger is no longer a central figure in Chelsea’s plans.
Keown’s Critique: Sterling’s On-Ball Limitations
When asked whether Arsenal should consider signing Sterling, Martin Keown was unequivocal in his response. Speaking on talkSPORT, Keown highlighted what he sees as a critical flaw in Sterling’s game: his inability to consistently beat his marker when in possession.
“I do rate this guy as a very good player,” Keown acknowledged, “But I think, when he played for Man City, he did his best work off the ball.” Keown’s assessment underscores the notion that Sterling’s success at Manchester City was largely due to his off-the-ball movement, which was integral to Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup. Guardiola’s system relied heavily on players making intelligent runs and finding space, which played to Sterling’s strengths.
However, Keown pointed out that when Sterling has the ball at his feet, his effectiveness diminishes. “When he has the ball, he does too much and he doesn’t get past his man,” Keown explained. This critique is significant, especially for a team like Arsenal, where wingers are expected to not only contribute off the ball but also create opportunities by taking on defenders and winning one-on-one battles.
The Arsenal Perspective: Is Sterling a Good Fit?
Arsenal has been making strategic moves in the transfer market, focusing on young, dynamic players who can adapt to Mikel Arteta’s vision for the team. Arteta has emphasized a high-pressing, possession-based style of play, which requires players who are not only technically gifted but also tactically astute. Given this context, Keown’s reservations about Sterling make sense.
While Sterling’s experience and versatility are undeniable, Arsenal’s current squad already boasts several attacking players who can operate in wide areas. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard have all shown their ability to excel in the roles that Sterling would likely fill. These players are younger, more in tune with Arteta’s tactical demands, and perhaps more adept at beating their man in one-on-one situations.
Conclusion: A Wise Word from a Club Legend
Martin Keown’s advice to Arsenal seems to be grounded in a deep understanding of the club’s current needs and the tactical demands of modern football. While Raheem Sterling remains a talented player with much to offer, his current form and specific playing style may not align with Arsenal’s ambitions. As the summer transfer window draws to a close, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will heed Keown’s advice or explore other options to strengthen their squad. For now, the former Arsenal defender’s words serve as a reminder that in football, not every big-name signing is the right fit for every club.
