2) His stats aren’t great
Even if they felt Sterling would be an upgrade on players like Di Maria and Januzaj, who have both under-performed, it is arguable that the Reds wide-man’s own stats this season are not great for a player of his reputation. The England international has managed just eight goals and eight assists in all competitions for a fairly attack-minded side. Considering the hype, you’d expect a great deal more from a player who has often played up front and been given plenty of freedom to roam in a fluid attacking team. For all the criticism he has received, it is worth noting that Di Maria still has a respectable return of four goals and ten assists, which would quite conceivably improve after a full season to settle in England. The improvement from Mesut Ozil in his second season with Arsenal is illustration enough of that.