Football
Jonathan Smith, Manchester City correspondent 8y

Raheem Sterling critics should 'lay off him' - England star's youth coach

Raheem Sterling can become an England great if fans and pundits "lay off him", according to the coach that helped to discover him.

The Manchester City forward has been criticised for his performances at Euro 2016, which saw England eliminated in the round of 16 by Iceland.

And the 21-year-old has attracted further negative coverage in one British newspaper for a video posted on social media of his luxury home shortly after arriving back from the European Championships in France.

Sterling acknowledged the criticism he received during the tournament, signing off one previous post "#TheHatedOne", while England boss Roy Hodgson was said to be concerned about the player's confidence following flak from fans in the stadium and on social media.

However, John Creith -- one of two coaches credited with spotting Sterling's talent as a schoolboy in London -- urged fans to give the former Liverpool player time to show his quality.

"They need to lay off him, Creith told Get West London. "He is still learning both mentally and tactically, we need to let him develop.

"He will still be a big part of the England set up and could be a massive player for us in a few years' time."

Sterling has struggled for form since a move to City last summer in a transfer that could eventually cost £49 million.

Creith believes that huge price tag put Sterling under enormous pressure but says he has plenty of time to prove his worth.

"That price tag was the worst thing to happen to him though," he added. "The sad thing is, in this country, we kill a player before they have even started. He's got the ability, and there's still a good five to six years before he reaches his peak."

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