For some weird reason that completely escapes my understanding, Raheem Sterling is regularly booed and jeered by opposition supporters.
It is a constant feature for Sterling to be the recipient of abuse. He is, however, the type of player that England are somewhat lacking at the moment, and the Manchester City winger should be greatly appreciated, rather than hated for no apparent reason.
You can understand Liverpool fans having a certain level of animosity towards their former player after he refused to sign another contract at the club, despite being offered a new deal. Instead, his agent spoke publicly about his disapproval with then-manager Brendan Rodgers, and left for Manchester City in a big money deal.
He became the early scapegoat for England at Euro 2016 until Roy Hodgson overtook him as the country's most hated footballing figure. He was the one player who looked in any way useful for England during their defeat to Iceland, even winning the penalty which was converted by Wayne Rooney, but apparently he still should have done better according to fans and media alike.
After an extremely difficult departure from Liverpool, the media attention that fell upon a raw 20-year-old was expertly handled by the shy Sterling. However, it became fashionable and convenient to paint him as a symbol of failure for his apparent failed season at Manchester City last campaign. If you consider 11 goals and 10 assists a season of failure at the age of 20, then just how high are your expectations for Raheem Sterling?
It's almost a compliment to consider it a failure when any winger who achieved such statistics for a major European club would consider this a good season.
Sterling is arguably the Premier League's best player on current form, and under Pep Guardiola, he is performing with a consistency beyond anything we have seen the England international previously. Not one player in the England national team has the same ability that Sterling has to play in wide positions and contribute to as many goals. Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Andros Townsend are not at the same standard. Sterling is special, Sterling can become an iconic figure for the English national team, and yet he still receives so much hatred both online and in person.
His goal against Swansea a fortnight ago sums up his ability and current confidence at the moment. With Sergio Aguero wide open on his right, Sterling continued dribbling at defender Kyle Naughton before his quick feet and neat finish gave City a 3-1 victory.
At 21 years of age he more than has the credentials to make it to the top of the game. Despite costing £49m City are starting to see a return on their financial outlay for the former QPR academy graduate.
Pep Guardiola is certainly bringing out the great form we once saw from Sterling at Liverpool, but this time with maturity, conviction and a smile on his face. A shy and humble player, Sterling is everything that the media don't portray him to be as he continues to provide for his family and stay away from the limelight due to the high-level of abuse he receives. The movie 'My Left Foot' could be likened to Sterling's career. Everyone keeps laughing and waiting for him to fail due to his own insecurities, but it will be Sterling who has the last laugh.
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