Manchester City have made Raheem Sterling the most-expensive English player of all time, but with good reason.
That’s according to City’s manager, Manuel Pellegrini.
[ MORE: Latest transfer news ]
Sterling, 20, signed for City from Liverpool for $75 million in July in what was the largest transfer fee in history for an English player. The speedy winger has already made an immediate impact on City’s tour of the Far East and Australia, with Sterling scoring three times in three preseason games and has caused plenty of problems for the Citizens’ opponents.
Speaking after City’s 8-1 win against Vietnam on Monday, Pellegrini heaped praise on Sterling.
With Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas also battling with Sterling for the wide positions at City, and Sergio Aguero to slot in up top and David Silva creating in the No. 10 role in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Citizens look to have plenty of attacking options ahead of the new season.
[ VIDEO: Sterling dazzles, scores two more for City ]
One interesting thing to look out for: Sterling played up front for City against Real Madrid in their 4-1 International Champions Cup loss in Melbourne last week. Although that may not seem like a big deal now, with Aguero set to miss the start of the PL season as he recovers from playing in the Copa America for Argentina this summer, Sterling could start the season in a central role for the Citizens. He hardly thrived in that role for Liverpool but long-term, his place is on the wing for City and they are delighted with what they have seen from the England international so far.