BBC Sport’s Micah Richards has claimed that Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling is becoming frustrated since Graham Potter became Chelsea manager.
Yesterday’s loss to Arsenal was another example of the Blues not playing to Sterling’s strengths. Although in truth, the difference in quality between the two teams didn’t help them try and achieve that.
The hosts were dominated for much of the early afternoon fixture by the league leaders, who returned to the summit of the Premier League with the victory.
The England international will be disappointed that his fine goal in the Champions League on Wednesday has not led to an immediate bounce back in form.
The strike was just his second since Potter joined the club, after hitting three and looking dangerous under former boss Thomas Tuchel.
Richards has now claimed that the system the Blues are playing is leaving the 27-year-old frustrated.
Richards says Sterling is frustrated
He said: “I still rate Raheem very highly but he looks a little lost.
“It’s like he is a bit frustrated in terms of Chelsea’s set-up and, tactically, does not know what they want him to do.”
Last week, Sterling claimed in an interview that his preferred position to play in would be as a natural winger, where he featured for Manchester City.
However, he has at times been utilised as a wing-back in the absence of some of Chelsea’s starters due to injury.
This has mostly not been successful, and he has often been having to do too much to create any sort of chance for himself.
When he was at his best under Pep Guardiola, Sterling featured as a striker-like figure, often being one of the top scorers despite the stacked attack.
Hopefully, the World Cup break will allow Potter to work on a system to get the best out of the club’s marquee signing.