“Imagine what the output of Saka is going to be if he gets a rest here and there” : Rio Ferdinand urges Mikel Arteta to make effective use of Raheem Sterling
The Gunners secured the signing of former Manchester City and Liverpool player Raheem Sterling on a season long loan deal from Chelsea, when head coach Enzo Maresca told the Englishman that he would not be receiving any minutes with the Blues.
Raheem Sterling is a former Premier League winner, who has vast experience in the league and could be a major title defining signing for Mikel Arteta and co. provided they use him right. The 29-year-old is apt at playing on both the wings while also casually playing out behind the striker as well.
Apart from his experience and versatility, the Englishman provides squad depth, and that would be helpful for the rest of the attacking options, specifically Bukayo Saka who plays on the right wing. The 22-year-old is Arsenal’s key man in the attack, and plays a huge responsibility covering the right flank while also providing important goal contributions.
But fans believe that the Englishman has been overworked this year, especially after the Euros this summer. Most recently, football pundit Rio Ferdinand also mentioned that the player needs rest, and the arrival of Raheem Sterling would help that cause.
“He’s been doing this on full throttle, no rest, every game going out there giving mad performances” : Rio Ferdinand
On his YouTube channel, the former Manchester United centre-back claimed that this loan deal will reignite Sterling for the better, while also providing Saka some much-needed rest, so that the 22-year-old does not face any long-term repercussions.
“I just hope this [the loan deal] reignites him [Sterling] now and he hits the ground running. I think their wide players do need help – Saka’s had so many games, it’ll be nice I think if Arteta can go, ‘You know what let me just let Saka sit out’,” said Ferdinand.
“Saka won’t like it, but he’ll say, ‘Just sit out for this one’, and imagine what the output of Saka is going to be if he gets a rest here and there? He’s been doing this on full throttle, no rest, every game going out there giving mad performances, right? Now, he’s got a bit of back-up, you know what it’s like when a man’s got back-up, they get bigger, they feel stronger, they feel better, they deliver more.” the 45-year-old added.
Rio Ferdinand also revealed how the prospect of having a Premier League winner can urge the players and give them the extra motivation to win it this time around.
“I think that’s what these Arsenal forwards will be sitting there thinking. That’s a big thing as well, what would these Arsenal players be thinking when Sterling walks in? “It’s important what a new signing gives to the changing room. And I think that he comes in and everyone goes, ‘Yes, I cannot wait for this, I’m ready,’” explained Ferdinand.
With three matches in, Arsenal is currently in fourth place in the table, with rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton over them. The Gunners will next play against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur as soon as the international break ends, and Raheem Sterling could very well debut in the red and white colours for the first time as a substitution for the 22-year-old.
