The BBC pundit has claimed that the Manchester City and England attacker will never be regarded as a world-class footballer due to his lack of understanding of the game
Mark Lawrenson claims Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling will never become a world-class footballer as he lacks an understanding of the game that is required to be considered among the sport's elite.
Despite being widely regarded as one of England's brightest prospects, the 21-year-old has failed to live up to his hefty £50 million price tag following his move from Liverpool last summer, scoring a disappointing six Premier League goals all season.
And while Lawrenson does not doubt Sterling's immense talent, the former Liverpool defender says his reliance on instinct alone means he falls short of achieving world-class status.
“Raheem Sterling does not, and will never, understand the game. He does not realise what he does and how he does it, he is purely reactive and instinctive,” Lawrenson said.
"It is going to be a tough job for Pep Guardiola. Manchester City should be top of the league."
Sterling clinched his first piece of silverware at City by emerging victorious over his former club in last month's League Cup final.
- Goal