Pep Guardiola says Raheem Sterling’s man-of-the-match display against Southampton was demonstration that the Manchester City winger can reach ‘whatever level he wants to’.
In a sublime individual performance, Sterling scored twice, chalking up his 50th career goal for the club, provided two assists and was a thorn in the Saints’ side from start to finish as City crushed Mark Hughes’ men 6-1 at the Etihad to move two points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Asked in his post-match press conference where he rates Sterling in terms of world football, Guardiola said: “He is a top player. Be he can become a better player. He can reach whatever he wants.
“He is so young. He is incredible, sharp, fast, clever, fighting, ambitious, decisive, can play on both sides, in the middle, receive ball behind lines.
READ: Man City 6-1 Southampton | Match Report
GALLERY: City v Southampton | Match Action
“It was an incredible performance - with and without the ball. But still, with young players, like with Leroy (Sane), I think they can still improve.
“In my first season (at City) he looked at who he should pass to. We spoke about that and said try to score goals, be aggressive, it doesn’t matter if you miss it.
“I think he is enjoying scoring now and making assists and being important. He’s a winning player. He is so, so important.”
Click on the video above to hear Pep’s views in full...
