Raheem Sterling's destruction of Barcelona had me out of my seat, says Jamie Redknapp
England winger's irrepressible display in 3-1 Champions League win over Pep Guardiola's former side is proof is finally mixing it with the big boys, says pundit
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Raheem Sterling’s landmark display for Manchester City against Barcelona was proof the England winger is taking his game to the next level under Pep Guardiola, says Jamie Redknapp.
Sterling was irrepressible as Guardiola beat his old side 3-1 at the Etihad, the 21-year-old setting up City’s equaliser before half-time and running the Spaniards ragged throughout.
It was a further sign of progress for Sterling, who became a bit-part player under Manuel Pellegrini last season but has been reborn since Guardiola’s arrival, scoring five goals already this season.
And Sky Sports pundit Redknapp believes Sterling is finally delivering against the bigger sides. “Raheem Sterling really mixed it with the big boys on Tuesday night,” Redknapp said. “He was among esteemed company on both sides but more than rose to the occasion.
“He should have won a penalty early in the first half, put in the cross for Ilkay Gundogan’s equaliser and got me out of my seat every time he had the ball at his feet.
“Some parts of his game still have room for improvement — such as his ball striking — but on the ball he was so dangerous in an action-packed 70 minutes.
“He seemed to be treading water under Manuel Pellegrini but with Pep Guardiola he is learning every day.”
Earlier this week Sterling admitted the former Barcelona manager has allowed him to raise his level, giving him the ‘freedom’ to play his natural game.
Sterling told BBC Sport: “I’m enjoying it. I feel a lot more freedom, I feel I can get on the ball a bit more and I feel like I express myself by taking touches and trying to take players on.
“Under the previous coach [Pellegrini] I think it was, not to say anything negative, but in training it was always two touches and you kind of just get into that way of playing and you forget your identity and how to play.
“That’s not my style of play. My style of play is to get the ball and try to go at players.
“Now I’m learning to mix it up as well and not just every single time go down a blind alley, and know when to take two touches and when to take my man on.”
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