3 Areas Raheem Sterling Needs to Improve to Become a Manchester City Great

It took a significant investment for Manchester City to prise Raheem Sterling from Liverpool’s grasp. The deal was worth an initial £44 million, rising to £49 million based on a series of add-ons, per James Robson of the Manchester Evening News. 

It was a long and arduous chase. City desperately wanted him; Liverpool didn’t want to sell. There was a stand-off, a very public campaign from some ex-Liverpool stars to try and shame Sterling into staying, before the Merseysiders decided eventually it was best to part company.

City didn’t sign the 21-year-old for short-term impact—it’s a deal they hope will truly benefit them over the coming years. It’s unlikely they saw him as the finished article, more an incredibly talented young player they could mould, polish and encourage to become one of the world’s best.

His debut season has been mixed. Some exceptional performances, such as in Seville and Kiev in City’s two standout UEFA Champions League displays, have been offset by some quiet and frustrating games. It’s all part of developing a young, raw talent.

But where can he improve? Here we look at three areas of Sterling’s game that incoming City boss Pep Guardiola will be desperate to enhance.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Finishing

The most obvious area Sterling needs work is with his finishing.

Clearly, he has potential. He’s scored 11 goals this season, more than he managed in any of the campaigns he spent at Anfield. He can look assured and composed in front of goal when his confidence is high, but there have also been a number of occasions when he has snatched at chances and misfired badly.

Some high-profile misses, including one from close range in the Capital One Cup final against his old club, mean he has now garnered a reputation for lacking steeliness in the penalty area.

The truth is he has the potential to score far more goals, and Guardiola will be desperate to ensure that area of his game is worked on and improved.

His second against Bournemouth back in October—where he managed to put three players on the ground before slotting home emphatically—was perhaps the best example of how cool he can be. Too often, though, he seems overeager and lacking quality. 

If Guardiola can work on his composure still further, Sterling will score plenty. He has already shown he knows how to get into the right areas.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Consistency

Sterling has lacked consistency this season. Some games have been spent on the periphery, not really impacting the game in the way we know he can.

Moving to a new club, one with loftier ambitions than what you're used to, is never easy. Sterling has had to adapt to new surroundings and also establish himself in a side full of quality. 

Next season, he needs to grow in confidence and believe he belongs alongside the likes of Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure.

He has the talent. He now needs the belief. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

Strength 

Sterling is stronger than some give him credit for, but there's still room for improvement.

He can be too easily knocked off the ball. If he wants to be a significant part of Guardiola's City, he must become a more physical player. The former Barcelona head coach will want his players to press and fight for possession. No one will be exempt. 

But there's no doubt Sterling can do that. He's a focused, determined young man, who, at 21, has shown remarkable talent and ability.

City have themselves a potential star. It's now up to Guardiola to help him become one of the best around. 

Efrem Lukatsky/Associated Press

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2015/16 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard_.