Rio Ferdinand told Match of the Day that reported Arsenal target, Raheem Sterling, is one of the ‘top players’ in the world.
The Manchester City winger has scored three goals for England at Euro 2020, including against Germany on Tuesday to knock them out of the tournament.
Prior to Euro 2020, a lot was being made about Sterling’s form, including rumours linking him away from Man City, with those in the Arsenal boardroom trying to make an ambitious move for his talents.
But he has been one of England’s top performers at Euro 2020 and Ferdinand made it clear that he is someone who would ‘scare you’ as a defender.
“He has got three goals during this tournament,” said Ferdinand. “He has been that person when we have needed that moment to lift us and get us over the line in a game.
“The courage is something I love about him. He receives the ball. He wants the ball at all times. He is one of those players, I know as a defender, he has the ability to scare you. He can turn and face you at all times. He wants to test you.
“Can you stay with me? Can you run with me? I’ll run off the ball and I’ll also get it to feet. I’ll be someone who you cannot read. He jinks about. His trickery.
“At this stage of his career, he’s producing moments. End product. Where he is being decisive. That puts him amongst the top players if you are talking in world football.”
Sterling may have endured an indifferent campaign in Man City colours last season, but he’s proving a lot of critics wrong, at this moment in time.
Perhaps one of those doubters are those in the Etihad boardroom because it has been reported that the £49 million player is ‘angry’ at being offered to Tottenham in a potential deal involving Harry Kane.
Either way, Sterling is now a crucial cog to this England wheel that is now dreaming of ‘football coming home’.
The next stop? Italy, Rome. Where the challenge of underdogs Ukraine await Gareth Southgate and his players.
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