Chris Sutton has claimed in his Premier League predictions for the Daily Mail that Raheem Sterling will be Chelsea’s key player this season.
The England international has been the biggest name the club have brought in this summer, despite him being Todd Boehly’s very first signing as Chelsea owner.
The 27-year-old has been a regular Premier League goalscorer during his time under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
However, an embarrassment of riches in the Champions’ attack has seen his minutes shared among the likes of Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Bernardo Silva.
This saw him keen to take on a new challenge, with Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly’s influence eventually seeing him chose to move to Stamford Bridge.
Sutton believes this addition will be the key to Chelsea looking to bridge the gap between City and Liverpool at the top of the league.
Sutton backs Sterling to star
He said: “What a signing. Sterling is an elite attacker in his prime years who has been craving the platform Chelsea can offer him. Potentially a perfect match.
“Although, pre-season has not been plain sailing and they produced a series of underwhelming results in the USA.”
Sterling will no doubt make his full Chelsea debut for the club this weekend against Everton, with supporters hoping his direct attacking style and goalscoring ability will be on show at Goodison Park.
The Blues have not enjoyed their travels to the Blue side of Merseyside in recent years, with them noticeably struggling last season in their 1-0 defeat to Frank Lampard’s men, proving the catalyst to their Premier League survival.
Kalidou Koulibaly is another summer signing who is sure to be on show tomorrow, likely featuring in Tuchel’s standard back three system.
Marc Cucurella is also in contention for tomorrow’s game, after seeing his signing announced and registered in time for the fixture.