Raheem Sterling faces harsh criticism in Netherlands as pundits question his place at Feyenoord after slow start
Raheem Sterling is already under intense scrutiny in the Netherlands following his January move to Feyenoord.
The former England international joined the Dutch side after leaving Chelsea by mutual agreement, having fallen out of favour under Enzo Maresca.
However, just months into his spell in Rotterdam, Sterling is facing strong criticism from local pundits, who have questioned both his physical condition and his role within the team.
Former Danish international Kenneth Perez, now working as a pundit for ESPN in the Netherlands, delivered a particularly blunt assessment.
“If you choose this style of play, Sterling is not in the best 18,” says Perez told ESPN. “They have now clearly opted for a physically strong and tactically reliable left winger [Tobias van den Elshout].
“Sterling is no longer physically strong. He can no longer run. He doesn’t win duels. So at this moment, he does not belong in the 18-man squad.”
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The criticism did not stop there, with Dutch analyst Arno Vermeulen also casting doubt over Sterling’s ability to contribute.
“Miracles don’t happen. He wasn’t fit. He is past his prime. He can’t keep up,” is his harsh conclusion.
The NOS commentator went even further when discussing selection decisions: “Achieving results also means deciding that Sterling is not in the starting eleven.”
Raheem Sterling stats with Feyenoord
Sterling’s performances so far have done little to silence the critics.
Since arriving at Feyenoord in January, he has featured in seven Eredivisie matches, starting four of them but failing to complete a full 90 minutes in any appearance.
His output has also been limited, with just one assist and no goals to his name so far.
For a player of Sterling’s pedigree, the expectation was that he would make an immediate impact. Instead, he now finds himself fighting to justify his place in the squad, with pressure mounting as the season enters its decisive phase.
