Raheem Sterling has come under heavy fire from Dutch media following his latest lacklustre performance for Feyenoord, with critics branding him a 'total failure' after the 1-1 draw against Ajax. The 31-year-old winger, who joined the Eredivisie side as a free agent in February, was substituted at half-time after failing to make an impact in the crucial fixture.
DPG Media criticised Sterling's apparent lack of pace, stating: 'In modern football, no speed means no danger. The arrival of Sterling, announced with great fanfare, gave the Legioen hope but the Englishman cannot make the difference for Feyenoord.' AD highlighted a missed chance, noting 'the clumsy way Raheem Sterling kicked a ball over the goal.'
Voetbal International awarded Sterling a match rating of just 5/10, while De Telegraaf described his performance as a 'total failure,' adding that he contributed 'nothing' going forward or in defence. The newspaper mockingly observed that 'it seemed like he was enjoying the sun more than being focused on the match' and suggested he would be 'better off playing for a veterans' team.'
Sterling's struggles come after a difficult 18 months at Chelsea, where he was deemed surplus to requirements and eventually had his contract terminated by mutual agreement. He joined Feyenoord as a free agent in February but has struggled for match sharpness after a nine-month absence from competitive football.
Despite a brief glimmer of hope with an assist against Excelsior, Sterling has failed to convince in the Netherlands. Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie has previously defended the former England international, but the mounting criticism suggests the winger has yet to find his form in the Eredivisie.
