Dutch media all agree in damning Raheem Sterling debut verdict despite causing a frenzy

A lot was said of Raheem Sterling's debut for Feyenoord after he came on as a second-half substitute in their 2-1 victory on Sunday

Dutch media were all in agreement when it came to Raheem Sterling's long-awaited return to the pitch for Feyenoord. The ex-England star signed for the Eredivisie giants earlier this month after mutually agreeing to terminate his Chelsea contract.

Work permit issues meant the 31-year-old was unable to train in the Netherlands, with Feyenoord - whose boss is Robin van Persie - going so far as to move their sessions to Belgium in order for Sterling to get up to speed.

Sunday marked Sterling's first appearance for the club as he came on in the 61st minute in their 2-1 victory against Telstar at home. Speaking after the game, the four-time Premier League winner said: " [I] haven't played in little bit, but just trying to keep fit.

"Been with the team now for a little bit, so it's just all on building a step at a time and trying to get to match fitness. Good to start your first game with a win, think that's the most important. [With] the targets that we're chasing, so a good debut."

Plenty has been said about Sterling's debut, with much of the Dutch national media having their say on witnessing the winger's first football match in nine months.

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De Telegraaf

Valentine Driessen of De Telegraaf noted the frenzied excitement that Sterling's arrival in Rotterdam garnered from the club's fanbase ahead of his second-half introduction in Sunday's match. He wrote: "The former star, primarily of Manchester City, Liverpool, and later Arsenal and Chelsea, had already caused a frenzy at the Feyenoord store.

"Last week, Feyenoord shirts bearing the English striker's name were flying off the shelves." Despite the fanfare surrounding his debut, Driessen described Sterling's debut as "anonymous" and insisted that much more will be expected of him against some of the better teams in the Eredivisie.

He continued: "But what could he achieve in Van Persie's side? Not much, as it turned out. After nine months without a match at the highest level, Sterling refused to force himself despite the enthusiasm of Het Legio (nickname of Feyenoord's fans).

"Hence, it was a rather anonymous and lacklustre debut. Hopes are pinned on Sterling when Feyenoord, after a brave Telstar, faces more serious opponents and his flashes are needed more."

AD

Dutch outlet AD also spoke of the supporters' delight in witnessing a Premier League legend don their shirt for the first time. Mikos Gouka wrote: "The cheers only grew louder with his first touch. In fact, literally every ball the 31-year-old Englishman played wide generated euphoria in De Kuip."

However, when it came to the analysis of his 30-minute cameo, Gouka was particularly damning of Sterling's performance, admitting the winger needs to buck up his ideas as he continues to gain match fitness. He added: "A real contribution was yet to materialise, but that was a concern for the Feyenoord supporters.

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"The newcomer needs time to truly prove himself in the final matches of the season. A half-hour start, it was already more playing time than expected. Raheem Sterling has made his debut. The left winger hasn't shown much yet; that will be something for the next 10 matches when he's truly fit."

ESPN

Sterling's cameo was also dissected on ESPN's ' Dit Was Het Weekend' program, with analyst Kees Kwakman predicting that it'll take 10 games to see the best the Englishman can offer. After full-time, he said: "He was unremarkable, and I think you could mainly see that he's not fit yet.

"It doesn't look perfect yet. He'll need time to show Sterling at his best. But it's only about 10 matches away." Fellow analyst Kenneth Perez claimed Sterling "held back" in his performance due to a lack of match fitness.

He added: "It had a certain legendary quality, the way he moved. That's not surprising, since he hasn't played in so long. You're a bit scared then. I did think he held back. They obviously took him on a gamble."

Fr-Fans

Sentiments were echoed regarding Sterling's rustiness on the pitch, which is certainly expected given it was his first game since featuring in Arsenal's 2-1 win against Southampton last May.

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