Mario Melchiot urges Raheem Sterling to step up as a Leader at Chelsea
Mario Melchiot, a former Chelsea defender, has called on Raheem Sterling to take on a leadership position at Chelsea.
With the team’s average age much lower in recent transfer windows, Melchiot believes Sterling, 29, should be an essential player in Pochettino’s team.
Despite being sidelined for Chelsea’s recent FA Cup win over Aston Villa, Sterling has been an important asset for Pochettino this season, making 29 appearances and scoring seven goals.
Meanwhile, Melchiot concerns if Sterling possesses the required abilities to effectively lead the team.
On the Sterling, he stated: “I will point a finger at Sterling for example, 29 years old, that means that you’re in the category of carrying the team when they’re in difficulties. Is he a player like that? I’m not so sure about it.
“When you look at Chelsea now, when you asked me about seeing the leaders, I think everybody on the field in any football team is a leader, because not only leaders have an armband.”
Sterling, one of the squad’s oldest players after Thiago Silva and Marcus Bettinelli, should set an example for teammates, especially given his experience and goal-scoring record at Manchester City.
Melchiot emphasizes that Pochettino should demand more from Sterling, both in terms of on-field performance and leadership qualities.
Having been acquired for £50 million from Manchester City, Sterling’s contributions are expected to be match-winning, yet his form has dipped since the start of the season, with no Premier League goals since November.
Melchiot’s comments highlight the need for Sterling to fulfill his potential and justify his price tag by taking on a more prominent role within the Chelsea squad.
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