‘I don’t know what’s come over him’… John Obi Mikel left shocked by £50m Chelsea player

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John Obi Mikel admits that Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling has shocked him this season.

Raheem Sterling, 28, had a challenging first campaign in Chelsea colours last year. In fairness, the 2022/23 season was a write off for the whole club because of problems on and off the pitch.

However, Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino is now in charge and looking to bring some stability to Stamford Bridge.

There’s quite a few players really enjoying the opening few months of Pochettino’s reign, including Sterling.

The £50million attacker (Daily Mail) is a nailed-on starter in the Chelsea line-up, scoring five goals across all competitions. This has been accompanied by some very eye-catching performances, too.

Standout player

Mikel, who won the Champions League with Chelsea during his playing career, has given big praise to one individual in the current Blues squad.

He thinks that Sterling has been the best player at the club so far this season. In fact, he admits that he’s been a bit shocked by the forward’s renaissance.

When asked who’s impressing most at Chelsea right now, Mikel told FIVE’s YouTube channel: “I’ll have to go with Raheem Sterling. I think he’s probably been the best player right now. I don’t know what’s come over him this season. I feel like he wants to show that he’s still that guy.

“For me, I’d definitely say Raheem Sterling… He looks bright, he looks sharp again. He’s been the guy.”

Raheem Sterling form

We think most people would agree that Sterling’s omission from the current England squad is criminal based off current form, especially when you look at who else has made the cut.

Chelsea supporters will know that the left-winger is in really good touch right now.

Speaking via FIVE’s YouTube channel earlier this week, Danny Murphy said he doesn’t remember Sterling ever playing as well as he did in last Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Manchester City.

He looks very quick and extremely fit. On top of Pochettino’s influence, the player himself deserves big credit for this U-turn.

There’s never been any doubting his ability when you consider the body of work behind him in his successful career. Let’s hope he’s not done yet with winning silverware, though.

This young Chelsea squad is definitely relying on Sterling as one of the few senior players to lead the way.