Manchester City hero Peter Barnes has urged fans to ease up on Raheem Sterling.
Barnes has heard the murmurs and mutterings at The Etihad from fans who haven’t taken the former Liverpool star to their hearts after his summer move from Anfield.
He told the Daily Star Sunday: “Raheem just needs to be more decisive in the top third where it matters if he wants to be a very good player. He needs to be more consistent.
“I feel he’s 90 per cent of what he can be so there’s still more to come from him. Raheem has great ability and he will be the finished article in the next 12 or 18 months.
“He has got to get the final product right, though. The final ball. But the lad’s only 20 and he has time on his side.
“I was always taught that you have to believe in constructive criticism and it’s no good having all the skill in the world with no end product.
“Raheem just needs to make his mind up quicker about what he does in that top third of the pitch.
“I like the lad. He’s a great buy for the club and you can’t question his ability. For him, it’s just about knowing when to cross the ball and knowing when to shoot. I know he’s working hard on that in extra training sessions.
“So, yes, give Raheem more time before any final verdict is reached. He will come good. He was the big star at Liverpool and has come to City where there are four or five other world-class match-winners."
Source: tribalfootball.com