National media have been left very unimpressed with the performance of Raheem Sterling for Chelsea last night against Newcastle.
The Evening Standard handed him a 5/10 for his display off the bench in the 1-1 draw in the Premier League Super Series.
It has been a tough start to pre-season for Sterling, who is surely hoping for better things after an uninspiring first season back in London.
Even off the pitch it has not been too enjoyable for the England international. He saw himself on the end of a crunching tackle from new signing Malo Gusto in a training session earlier on the tour.
Last night, his place in the starting team was taken by Ian Maatsen, despite the Dutchman predominantly being a left-back.
Sterling criticised by national media
He has enjoyed a stellar pre-season so far, off the back of scoring twice in the opening game against Wrexham.
However, the same fortunes cannot be said for Sterling’s display last night, even though he was used on the left of the attack where he traditionally prefers to be.
The Evening Standard said: “Raheem Sterling – 5. Couldn’t strike up a partnership with Cucurella, not threatening.”
It was an equally difficult evening for Marc Cucurella behind him, who will no doubt be feeling the pressure of Ben Chilwell and Maatsen on his position.
The Spain international completely switched off late in the first half to allow Miguel Almiron to score on his return to Atlanta.
Sterling is likely to still be handed an opportunity to impress in the remainder of pre-season, after manager Mauricio Pochettino has been vocal in stating that he can be an important player for him this season.