Raheem Sterling made his first appearance for Feyenoord on Sunday evening, having joined the Dutch club following his release from Chelsea , and Robin van Persie was quick to share his thoughts on the Englishman.
During the January window, Sterling left Chelsea after three and a half years at the club. The Blues paid just under £50m for him in 2022, and he contributed to 34 goals in 81 appearances over his first two seasons.
But things changed in his third year when Enzo Maresca took over as manager and quickly decided the former Manchester City winger would not fit into his plans.
The England international was then moved to Arsenal , where he managed just one goal in 28 matches. Left out of Chelsea's squad last summer, he was eventually released before making the move to Feyenoord.
Photo by Hans van der Valk/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Sterling's contract was terminated 18 months early, with Chelsea reportedly saving around £10m in wages, though the total cost of the deal is believed to have been closer to £20m.
On Sunday, Sterling made his debut off the bench, playing the final half-hour against Telstar. Feyenoord continued their strong run, making it three consecutive wins with a narrow 2-1 victory.
Sterling did not get on the scoresheet and was not involved in any of the goals – all of which came before halftime – but manager Robin van Persie was pleased with what he saw.
"He was good and threatening. I'm happy with that," the former striker said.
While Van Persie seemed pleased with Sterling's performance, and the player himself likely just happy to be back on a pitch after a long spell without football, the reaction from Dutch media was more reserved.
Pierre van Hooijdonk, speaking to Voetbal Primeur, mentioned that Sterling appeared sharper and quicker during his time in the Premier League.
He stated: "I'm not going to discount him on his debut. Let me put it this way: the last time I saw him play in the Premier League, he was sharper and looked a bit quicker."
Wim Kieft echoed those sentiments but suggested it could be down to fitness levels rather than anything else.
"Whether it's conscious, that he thinks I can't push myself because I'm not there yet. I hope not, because then it won't be of much use to Feyenoord. Or he thinks: just wait and see, take it easy," Kieft questioned.
Sterling will have another chance to build up his match fitness soon enough as Feyenoord prepare for a more difficult test against FC Twente. While they are second in the table, they still trail leaders PSV Eindhoven by 14 points.
Read more:
