Raheem Sterling received high comments from Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino following his spectacular two-goal performance in Friday’s 3-0 Premier League victory against Luton Town.
Sterling has been one of Chelsea’s few shining lights in their opening 1-1 draw with Liverpool and last week’s 3-1 loss to West Ham United, and he once more displayed his best play as Chelsea earned their first victory under new manager Pochettino.
The 28-year-old has thrived under the Argentine manager, who took over last month, after struggling for much of his time at Chelsea after moving from Manchester City in July last year to establish consistent form.
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“His commitment in the way he wants to contribute with the team, with his work ethic and quality, he deserves the full credit for his performance,” Pochettino told reporters.
“I’m so pleased for him.
“He told me last season was a difficult season for him, but I am very pleased when the player is happy.
“And when an offensive player can score or assist, for us, it’s the best feeling.”
Sterling, who assisted Nicolas Jackson to score Chelsea’s third goal, revealed that he has spoken with Pochettino about changing up his position at the team.
“Our first conversation with all of the players, and Raheem, I love to ask the position they love to play, how they feel, how they see themselves,” Pochettino said.
“It’s not the position, it’s the animation and the way the team is going to link in between them. It’s to find the best position … to provide the best platform, position and place and link with the player where they can (show) their best quality.
“It’s really important, the process … When you want to build a team in the process that we are, it’s a matter of time.
Chelsea will compete against Wimbledon in the League Cup on Wednesday before resuming league play on September 2 against Nottingham Forest.
“I am happy because the first victory is always very important,” Pochettino told Sky Sports. “It was a solid performance. I think we needed that, we needed to feel the trust and the confidence in what we are doing.”