Sterling's Uncertain Chelsea Future Raises Questions

Raheem Sterling Set for Chelsea Future in Doubt as Blues Ace Misses Out on Additional Award

Raheem Sterling was not named in Chelsea's squad for the Premier League opener against Manchester City, leading to speculation about his future at Stamford Bridge. Sterling returned to pre-season training well before many of his teammates and appeared to be in good terms with new coach Enzo Maresca only for him not included on the matchday squad, confusing both fans and pundits alike.

Struggles at ChelseaRogelio Funes Mori and Others Making Their Way to MLS..?

Sterling has struggled to integrate at Chelsea since his big-money move from Manchester City ($65 million), because, by the high standards he set first with Liverpool and then with ManCity. He failed to hit double figures for goals in two seasons at Chelsea — a far cry from his influential displays at Liverpool. This has led to concerns over where he fits into the current team and how effective he can be.

Comparative Success at Liverpool

During his time at Liverpool Sterling made substance impact on the team and he did performed. When he moved to Manchester City for a similar fee it was a turning point for Liverpool as they were able to use the money wisely, bringing in players like Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. These arrivals have been key to Liverpool's recent success, showing the contrast between what Chelsea and Brendan Rodgers were able to invest in respectively.

Seeking Clarity

Sterling's representatives have been left surprised that he is omitted and are now seeking an explanation directly from Chelsea bosses about where his future lies within the side. This is a sign that whether or not he fits into Maresca's plans and his imminent future with the club are slowly being questioned.

Sterling's Situation - Analysis

With Sterling currently at Chelsea this raises some serious questions about how and where Maresca is going to use him tactics wise. More telling is his absence from game 1 with a club against which he should certainly feature in the best XI, hinting that there may be changes on- and off-the-field possible player re-evaluation. One could argue that Sterling, as a very good player with significant transfer value, should not see so little game time unless he is being purposefully preserved by the coaching staff for some bigger strategic shifts.

Conclusion

How Chelsea look to deal with his case is likely to be under the microscope from now on. Not only will it decide the path of Sterling's career, but could have major implications for Chelsea and show how they intend to carry forward a new era of management under their latest coaching regime. Sterling will need his future sorted out, however much that may pain him to work through the detail of such an act at this stage in a career which, by most yardsticks should – though we know it better than we think — just be entering its zenith.