‘Fact’: Chelsea player has now backed himself to be top scorer, only scored six in 28 games last season

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Raheem Sterling has now backed himself to score more than any other player at Chelsea in the 2023/24 campaign.

The England international made the confident claim when speaking to Sky Sports.

So, what exactly did Raheem Sterling say? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, the new Chelsea No.7 endured a tough debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.

The 28-year-old only scored six goals in 28 Premier League appearances following his £50m move from Manchester City in July 2022.

Now – however – Sterling is backing himself to enjoy a much better season.

When asked if he thinks he can become top scorer at Chelsea this term, the Kingston-born forward told Sky Sports: “That’s a fact. Raheem Sterling.”

Confident words – to say the least.

The £350,000-a-week man did not play like someone with this belief throughout pre-season.

Sterling failed to score in any of Chelsea’s friendlies, and respected journalist Paul Brown told Give Me Sport that the attacker is under pressure to succeed this season, or else he risks being sold.

Raheem Sterling comments should please Chelsea fans

Even if Sterling fails to become Chelsea’s top scorer in the 2023/24 campaign, his words should please supporters.

Sterling is one of few players over the age of 25 at Stamford Bridge, and as a result, he needs to lead with authority.

Backing himself to become top scorer before a ball is kicked in competitive action oozes that authority, and Pochettino will expect him to follow through on that prediction by carrying himself with top professionalism.

Setting a bold target like that will also encourage healthy competition amongst the squad, with confident young talents such as Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke surely eager to beat Sterling to the crown of top scorer.

Hopefully, Sterling can enjoy a much improved 2023/24 campaign after a disastrous season in 2022/23.