‘Become good at the simple things’: Wayne Rooney says £48m Chelsea player has improved massively

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Wayne Rooney believes Raheem Sterling has vastly improved since their days with England together.

Writing for the Times, Rooney credited the Chelsea attacker for working on aspects of his game that now make him such a threat offensively.

DC United’s manager has been able to witness the development arc of Sterling from afar but also up close.

The pair have shared several international camps together, including two major tournaments.

Both participated in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the equally disappointing European Championships two years later.

Their journey began whilst Sterling was still a relatively raw talent at Liverpool.

By 2015, he was an established Premier League player now making his mark at Manchester City.

Rooney relives Sterling’s improvement

Progress over half a decade down the line, and the forward joined Chelsea for £48m with 109 top flight goals to his name.

He is now preparing for his fifth international competition with Three Lions, having been picked by Gareth Southgate for the World Cup in Qatar.

Yet, unlike recent trips away with England, Sterling is no longer guaranteed a starting role due to his own club struggles and the form of those around him.

“On the right, it’s a difficult one. For England, Sterling has been very good and (Bukayo) Saka is a top player, so I would play either of them off the right,” said Rooney whilst detailing the XI he would send out against Iran in the first fixture.

“I played many games with Sterling and he improved a lot. Working with Pep Guardiola at City improved him tactically and he has become good at the simple things, which maybe he wasn’t before.

“He can score goals, create goals, he’s quick and can beat a man. As shown in the past two tournaments, he can be a crucial player for England.”

“Saka puts Sterling under pressure, though,” continued the Manchester United icon.

“They’re great options for Gareth and I think in different games he’ll change his team up. I don’t think anyone could complain whichever one is chosen.”

Saka or Sterling?

Arsenal fans would certainly have something to say if Sterling got in ahead of Saka.

Saka has left the Chelsea’s new signing in his wake this season in terms of output.

He has scored five and provided six assists so far compared to Sterling’s seven goal contributions.

Southgate will likely trust the young Gunner this winter, potentially instead of the suffering Stamford Bridge star.