Sterling not the world’s best yet, but on the right track- Pep Guardiola

Thanks to the recent stellar performances from the winger, Manchester City are sitting at the top of the table.

In a 6-1 thumping victory over Southampton on Sunday evening, Raheem Sterling proved invaluable as ever, netting a brace and assisting a couple more. The 23-year-old winger has consistently been giving his boss reasons for praise.

Assessing Sterling’s performance, Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, said that, “Raheem is a top player. But still, he is so young to consider among the world’s best players.” It is fair to admit that given Sterling's form, he is definitely amongst the best in the Premier League. Pep has shown brilliant man-management by protecting Sterling and keeping him focused on being consistent and clinical.

The gaffer further added, "He is in incredible form right now, he is sharp, fast, clever, fighting, ambitious, decisive, can play on both sides, in the middle, and receives the ball behind lines."

The Spaniard was full of praise for the Englishman and further lauded his aggression and willingness to commit central defenders.

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However, he was also quick to point out that young players like Sterling or Leroy Sane can still improve. He concluded his assessment of the young winger by saying that, "If he is stable and he focuses on what he has to do to become a better player, if he has this on his mind, he can reach whatever he wants".

Manchester City is in a rich vein of form and are scoring bucket-full of goals that has elavated them on the first place. Although, Pep has admitted that his side can improve on the defensive front since there were instances where Southampton could have crawled back into the game. Pep has warned his team since similar mistakes in a competition like UEFA Champions League will be punished due to the different quality of opposition.

As for Raheem Sterling, six goals and five assists in the last nine Premiere League games have proved vital in City’s march to the top. The motivating words coming from the manager will only push Sterling to fully unlock his potential. The long-awaited Manchester derby is next on the cards for Pep and his men in the Premier League.