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What people at Arsenal are now saying about Raheem Sterling behind the scenes
When Arsenal face West Ham United next weekend, many now imagine that Raheem Sterling will make way for Mikel Merino up top.
Mikel Arteta turned to Merino away at Leicester City last weekend and the Arsenal midfielder ultimately won the game, a number nine performance seldom seen for the Gunners this season.
Kai Havertz has been brilliant at times for Arsenal, but Merino finished his second goal with real confidence and swagger, a midfielder who knows how to time a run.
Of course, if Merino plays centrally, Leandro Trossard will head back out on the left, a winger who’s been in fine form himself.
And despite Ethan Nwaneri’s obvious talent, it would still be a blow for Sterling to watch a 17-year-old start ahead of him.
Raheem Sterling has been helping Ethan Nwaneri in training
That being said, have now provided a positive insight into how Sterling is being viewed in north London behind the scenes.
In 19 appearances on loan from Chelsea this season, Sterling has scored one goal and provided two assists, but he’s also been contributing off of the pitch too.
READ MORE: Edu’s comments when Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling are now very alarming after his lack of minutes
According to the report mentioned, people at Arsenal speak ‘so highly’ of Sterling’s efforts in training.
The England international is said to have a brilliant attitude around London Colney, a top professional who is still demonstrating his determination to succeed.
In addition, staff at Arsenal like Sterling and the forward has become a very good influence on the young players around him.
For example, Sterling has a good relationship with both Bukayo Saka and Nwaneri.
Nwaneri is said to ‘look up’ to Sterling, who is always encouraging his younger counterpart.
Mikel Arteta refuses to throw Raheem Sterling under the bus
As mentioned, Sterling didn’t enjoy his best 69 minutes away at Leicester last weekend when so many Arsenal fans were willing him to succeed.
The term ‘now or never’ has often been thrown around in regard to Sterling’s Arsenal career recently, and in terms of his efforts on the pitch, it seems like a fair conclusion.
However, Sterling is clearly contributing so much at the club as a whole, explaining why there was never any consideration of terminating his loan in January.
That being said, Gary Neville gave his theory on why Sterling is struggling on the pitch recently, taking a look at his whole career to date.
Arteta was actually asked about Sterling’s performance against Leicester at his press conference, but the Arsenal manager refused to single out the winger.
He replied: “Everybody [needs rhythm]. In the first half, especially in the first 20-25 minutes, we weren’t at our standards and when that happens, you look to the front players.”