Glen Johnson believes Raheem Sterling has a crucial role to play in helping Chelsea's young side back to the top of the Premier League.

Though hardly a veteran at the age of 28, Sterling has emerged as a leader in Mauricio Pochettino's squad, which has a league-low average age of just 23.7.

The England international has shouldered that responsibility superbly with three league goals so far this season, inspiring the West Londoners' current run of three straight wins in all competitions.

And Johnson, who was a team-mate of Sterling's for Liverpool and the Three Lions, believes the winger's leadership will allow talented youngsters around him to flourish.

Ahead of Chelsea's London derby with Arsenal on Saturday, the former right-back told LiveScore: "It makes me feel old because I've played with Raz on his debut and now we're talking about him being experienced.

"He's obviously still a young man himself but he's been there and done it. He's played for some top clubs and in big tournaments.

"The youngsters will be looking up to him. Hopefully he's got the character to own that and lead by example because he's still got a lot to offer himself.

"If the players take a leaf out of his book, they're going to go in the right direction."

England snub

Despite his flying start to the campaign, Sterling missed out on Gareth Southgate's England squad for recent fixtures against Australia and Italy and has not represented his country since the World Cup quarter-final loss to France.

But ex-Chelsea ace Johnson believes it is only a matter of time before the Blues' No7 returns to the international stage: "He's far too good to not be in the England setup. 

"I know we're spoiled for those positions but for me, he's got to be in there.

"I just think every now and then, Raz has a confidence dip and he's at his best when he's not thinking, just enjoying football and causing defenders problems.

"I think when he gets a bit of stick, he takes it to heart and then he feels a bit sorry for himself, then things don't go his way.

"He needs to find a bit of form but he's definitely good enough to still be playing for England."

Lifting the Blues

A slow start means Chelsea are still lagging behind the division's elite in 11th place and Johnson believes his former side may have to re-assess their pre-season aims of a Champions League place.

The 39-year-old added: "I think they'll bite your arm off for the top four. A club like Chelsea, you always have to aim for top four but the reality is probably top six.

"From what they've done at the start of the season and the changes they've gone through, I think deep down if they finish sixth, they'll probably see it as progress."

Maur of the same

While Pochettino has faced some critics in the early stages of his Chelsea tenure, Johnson is convinced Stamford Bridge chiefs now have the right man at the helm as they look to return the club to their former glories.

He said of the Argentine: "He's definitely a top, top manager and I think the players would love to work for him. So I do think he's probably the right man. 

"But even for his role, there's a lot of dust that needs to settle in terms of the ownership, the boardroom, the players. 

"I think that's maybe what Chelsea need now — a bit of time to settle."