Raheem Sterling earned his first start for Feyenoord on Sunday following the mutual termination of his Chelsea contract
08:26, 09 Mar 2026
Raheem Sterling of Feyenoord. during the Dutch Eredivisie match between FC Twente and Feyenoord
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Raheem Sterling endured another forgettable performance for Feyenoord (Image: Getty Images)
Raheem Sterling lasted 63 minutes for Feyenoord in their thrilling 3-3 draw with NAC Breda on Sunday.
But the 31-year-old's first start for the Dutch giants since his arrival in January wasn't quite the performance the four-time Premier League winner was looking for.
Yet to register a goal or assist for the Eredivisie side, Sterling's match fitness has been routinely criticised, but it was deemed good enough by head coach Robin van Persie to start him in the away clash. However, an uninspiring hour by the former England star led the Dutchman to sub him off - a decision Sterling later admitted he didn't agree with.
The winger said: "I felt good enough to continue, but it is the coach's choice. Every player wants to stay on. You want to stay on the pitch. It is understandable that it is not yet possible. It is another new step in the right direction."
Sterling has yet to make his mark in Rotterdam and while he is only three games into his Feyenoord career, much of the Dutch media have had their say on his disappointing start to life at the club.
De Volkskrant
Playing on his favoured left flank, Sterling's outing didn't set the world alight. Bart Vlietstra of De Volkskrant said the signing of the English veteran was akin to Ivan Perisic's move to Feyenoord, given the lengthy and experienced careers of both players.
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However, he took aim at Sterling's lack of fitness and took note of his faltering speed - the main staple of the winger's game. Vliestra wrote: "Van Persie hoped the experienced Raheem Sterling could play that fury.
"The 31-year-old Englishman is supposed to fill Ivan Perisic's role at Feyenoord, but is much less fit and sharp than the Croatian, who is six years older. After three weeks of training and some fruitless substitutions, the 82-cap England international started against NAC, but he frequently lost possession and was beaten for speed on through balls."
De Telegraaf
De Telegraaf's analysis of Sterling's performances made a similar point regarding his match fitness, with Mike Verweij insisting that the Englishman needs time to rediscover the form that made him one of the most prolific wingers of his generation.
Ayase Ueda of Feyenoord celebrates 0-1 with Anel Ahmedhodzic of Feyenoord, Tsuyoshi Watanabe of Feyenoord, Jakub Moder of Feyenoord, Raheem Sterling of Feyenoord, Luciano Valente of Feyenoord, Mats Deijl of Feyenoord, Jordan Bos
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Sterling has yet to register a goal or assist for Feyenoord(Image: Getty Images)
Verweij wrote: "The former player, who played for Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea, among others, had a lot of possession in the opening stages, but with a wasted sprint and a poor touch in a promising position, he underscored that he still needed some time to be an asset. He ultimately left the field after 63 minutes with a yellow card for a frustration-related foul."
AD
AD were more damning in their analysis of Sterling despite admitting he had more possession on Sunday than in his previous two appearances for the Dutch giants. Mikos Gouka did make sure to note Sterling's shortage of speed and shot power, as well as the NAC fans' sarcastic chants towards the 31-year-old.
Gouka wrote: "Van Persie kept Raheem Sterling on the pitch after the break. The Englishman had had more possession before the break than during his anonymous substitute appearances against Telstar and FC Twente, but in moments where sprinting speed was crucial, his lack of fitness once again became apparent.
"And when Jordan Bos presented him with a clear shot after the break, his effort was too weak to truly threaten Bielica. The NAC supporters were delighted, chanting 'all balls to Sterling.'"
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