Raheem Sterling: Ian Wright praises Man City star and makes player of the year declaration

That is the opinion of former Arsenal striker Ian Wright.

Sterling netted a hat-trick against Watford on Saturday to further extend Manchester City’s lead at the top of the table.

City ran out 3-1 winners and moved four points clear of second-placed Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp’s side takes on Burnley in a must-win game later today (2.05pm) and defeat could seriously dent their title chances.

And the magnitude of City’s win was not lost on manager Pep Guardiola, who believes it is almost impossible for his side to not drop points again this season.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Wright declared that he believes Sterling’s impressive season has earned him a shot at the POTY award.

Sterling has scored 18 goals and provided 15 assists this season in all competitions.

“He has been their main man at times this season,” he explained.

“You would have to say that with respect of the Player of the Year he has to be up there.

“With the way he is playing he has got to be up there with Virgil (Van Dijk).”

Saturday was Sterling’s 14th game in a row in the Premier League without being rested.

The last time he sat out of a league tie was against Watford in early December.

And Jermaine Jenas explained why he believes this is the case.

“There is a bigger discussion to have with Raheem Sterling as well,” he said.

“Today was great with his goals and everything but the numbers – 18 league goals last season, 15 this – he is City’s go to man.

“You saw Pep bring him off after 60 minutes for a reason.

“You see Sane or Bernardo Silva get rested but Raheem Sterling, never. He is a key man.”

source: express.co.uk