In Focus: Sterling's stock on the rise after impressive start under Poch

Raheem Sterling's performance against West Ham last Sunday will give Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino some comfort despite losing out in East London.

The Blues fell to a 3-1 defeat at the London Stadium but the England international's performance caught the eye after a tough 12 months for the club.

If Pochettino can get the best out of his No7, he could emerge as a key figure as the Argentine looks to build Chelsea into Premier League title challengers.

Ahead of their clash with Luton tonight, we take a look at Sterling's prospects for the 2023-24 campaign.

Standout performance

Sterling lined up on the right of Chelsea's front three against West Ham — retaining his place after the 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

No Blues player completed more take-ons (six) than the former Manchester City winger, while he also registered a team-high 16 touches in the opposition box.

The 28-year-old also ranked first for possessions won in the attacking third (two) — evidence of his usefulness off the ball in Pochettino's high-pressing system.

Bold and committed

Pochettino was impressed by Sterling's display and sang his praises after the defeat.

He said: "We were talking a lot this week in my office and we trust him [Sterling].

"He's a player that can deliver what we want and today he was fantastic.

"For sure, we are not happy and he is not happy because he performed but we didn't win. But that is the way we expect a player to perform, to be bold and committed with the team."

First season struggles

Sterling's first season at Chelsea was a difficult one.

Having reached double figures for Premier League goals in each of his previous five campaigns with City, he only managed to score six times in 2022-23.

Surpassing his league best of 20 strikes might not be achievable but more goals and assists should come if he continues to perform as he did against the Hammers.

Aggression

For Sterling, a new manager and a reinvigorated team could be a recipe for success.

He said: "It was a difficult transition period last year. I was raring to go from the off season, looking to get back to the levels I know I can get to, it is as simple as that.

‌"It's about being aggressive. A lot of the time it's back to goal so it was nice to get on the half turn. I'm a player that needs to be driving, action after action.

"If I'm not doing that I'm nowhere near my best, so that's what I need to keep doing every time I get the ball. I have to turn, drive and be aggressive. That's what I plan on doing."

Instrumental figure

If Chelsea are to address their main problem from last season — scoring more goals — Sterling will likely be an instrumental figure.

Only Enzo Fernandez has completed more passes into the final third than the winger (35) and he has also shown his combative side, ranking second in the Blues' squad for total tackles (three).

That seemingly renewed vigour and drive could well be the difference for Sterling this season.

If Pochettino can motivate him, a strong campaign and potential inclusion in England's Euro 2024 squad could be on the cards.

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