This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
Published on September 12, 2019, Gareth Southgate, the England national team manager, has expressed his confidence in Raheem Sterling's ability to become the world's best player, potentially surpassing the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
At 21, Sterling was once known as 'the hated one' after England's defeat to Iceland in Euro 2016. However, he has since undergone a remarkable turnaround in his international career, emerging as arguably England's most influential player.
Southgate praised Sterling's drive, professionalism, and ability, stating, 'In terms of can he fulfil it, he'll give himself every chance of doing that. There are obviously some outstanding players around, the [Eden] Hazards, the [Kevin] De Bruynes, Messi and Ronaldo. But he's got the drive, he's got the professionalism, he's got the ability. He's physically and mentally strong for such a small statured lad.'
Southgate's endorsement comes as Messi and Ronaldo are nearing the end of their careers, with the former turning 32 and the latter 34. Sterling's emergence as a top player has sparked a new dimension in the race to replace them as the world's best.
