Raheem Sterling in action for Feyenoord. (Image: Getty Images)
Media outlets in the Netherlands have criticised Raheem Sterling following his most recent performance for Feyenoord, suggesting he is unable to deliver in the Eredivisie. The former England international joined the Dutch heavyweights in February on a deal until the end of the campaign.
Following a troubled 18-month spell during which he was considered expendable at Chelsea, sent on loan to Arsenal and subsequently sidelined upon returning to west London, the 31-year-old departed the Blues by mutual agreement last month. Sterling reached a settlement with Chelsea regarding the remaining 18 months of his deal, which ultimately enabled him to end his Stamford Bridge ordeal, choosing to link up with Robin van Persie’s outfit as a free agent.
However, the former Liverpool and Manchester City star has appeared some way off his peak since landing in the Netherlands, having clearly struggled for sharpness following his nine-month absence from competitive action. This was evident once more as he featured from the start in the home clash against fierce rivals Ajax on Sunday.
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Sterling was withdrawn at the 55-minute mark with his team trailing 1-0, after which they proceeded to draw level and secure a share of the spoils. And the winger’s lacklustre showing received severe censure from the Dutch media.
DPG Media criticised his apparent lack of speed, arguing that it renders him incapable of influencing matches. They wrote: « In modern football, no speed means no danger. The arrival of Sterling, announced with great fanfare gave the Legioen hope but the Englishman cannot make the difference for Feyenoord. »
AD, meanwhile, condemned one of his attempts on goal, writing: « The tension was palpable and visible on the pitch as well, in the clumsy way Raheem Sterling kicked a ball over the goal. »
Feyenoord’s English forward Raheem Sterling (R) reacts following the first goal scored by Excelsior’s French defender Arthur Zagre during the Dutch Eredivisie football match between Feyenoord and Excelsior at Feyenoord stadium ‘De Kuip’ in Rotterdam on March 15, 2026. (Photo by Bas Czerwinski / ANP / AFP via Getty Images) / Netherlands OUT (Image: ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Voetbal International awarded Sterling a paltry match rating of 5/10, whilst De Telegraaf were scathing in their assessment of his display in De Klassieker. One article described Sterling’s performance as a « total failure ».
The same piece claimed Sterling contributed « nothing » going forward or in defence, which allowed Ajax to control proceedings with ease. It sarcastically observed that « it seemed like he was enjoying the sun more than being focused on the match ».
It then implied that if Sterling cannot influence proceedings or perform adequately in a crucial fixture like this, he would be « better off playing for a veterans’ team. »
Sterling has struggled to find his feet at his new club, mirroring his underwhelming showings for Arsenal last season. His first appearance in nine months saw him endure a disappointing cameo against Telstar as his fitness was plainly below the required standard.
Following three disappointing fixtures, he appeared to have made progress by registering an assist in his most recent outing against Excelsior, where certain sections of the media withdrew their initial criticism.
Van Persie had been compelled to publicly defend the Premier League icon from ridicule after his maiden appearance for the side.
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