Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown thinks Chelsea are relying too heavily on Raheem Sterling.
Chelsea have struggled this season and while Raheem Sterling has certainly been one of their better players, Martin Keown, speaking on talkSPORT, has suggested that the winger is not good enough in front of goal to be the team’s answer.
Sterling is actually Chelsea’s top scorer in the Premier League, registering three times in 10 appearances.
It is clear to see, then, that the 28-year-old has been one of the Blues’ best players in the current campaign. However, the above is not enough for a team who want to qualify for the Champions League, which looks like a pipe dream right now if you are a Chelsea supporter.
Chelsea relying heavily on Raheem Sterling
Keown has concerns over what he deems to be an over-reliance on Sterling.
Discussing the England international on talkSPORT, the Arsenal legend said: “They’re relying heavily on Sterling, who we know is not necessarily formidable in front of goal.”
Chelsea have to rely on Raheem Sterling
Right now, Sterling has to be the player who Chelsea look to for goals.
Out of all of their forwards who are currently fit, he is the most prolific, having scored more than 100 times in the Premier League.
Nicolas Jackson has been the team’s first-choice striker this season, but he is still quite young and only joined the club in the summer. Expecting the former Villarreal man to score every week is a lot to ask for.
Once Christopher Nkunku returns from injury, you would expect him to be the player who Chelsea pin their hopes on.
The Frenchman is an excellent goalscorer, finding the back of the net 23 times in his final season at RB Leipzig. ESPN pundit Shaka Hislop is backing him to transform Chelsea’s attack once he is fit again.
For now, though, Mauricio Pochettino is going to have to continue relying on Sterling, who cost Chelsea £50m (BBC Sport) when he joined from Manchester City last summer.
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