That makes up this morning’s Media Watch, so onwards and forwards…
Opinion
Telegraph: Sterling thriving in new-found status
Jason Burt writes: “It has been well-documented that Sterling only scored twice in his first 45 England appearances but now, launching himself in that Nations League campaign against Spain and Croatia, he has eight in eight and is one of the world’s most in-form player and justifiably in the debate as to whether, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ageing, he can seal his status on a global stage.
“Southgate enthused about Sterling’s ability to ‘grab the game by the scruff of the neck’, as he did in both of England’s Euro 2020 qualifiers – against Bulgaria and Kosovo – and on whether he can become the world’s best.
‘There are obviously some outstanding players around,’ Southgate said. ‘But he will give himself every chance, because he’s got the drive, he’s got the professionalism, he’s got the ability, he’s strong, he’s physically and mentally strong for such a small statured lad.
‘It was hysterical the other day, he and [Joe] Gomez had a shoulder-to-shoulder moment (in training). And, of course, they were bantering about it for the rest of the week. But, he is physically strong, so he is so hard to knock off the ball.’
Staying with Raheem…
Sky Sports: Sterling is a role model for the young says Deeney
Dan Sansom reports: “Watford captain Troy Deeney has praised Raheem Sterling for the way he has handled racist abuse and says he has become a role model for young people.
“When asked if racism has grown in recent years, Deeney told Sky Sports: ‘The question would be, did it ever go away? That would be the biggest question.
‘I think we live in a time where we can highlight it so much easier. We can highlight it with social media and Raheem has become the face and talking point for everything.
‘The best thing he’s done is openly come out and spoken about it and that for many young kids coming up now should be the mantra of what to do. If you see an issue, speak about it.’
Pundits
Meanwhile, yes, it might be a bit early for title predictions, but Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher sees a repeat of last season’s race to be champions for 2019/20 – and believes City will again edge it.
Goal: Carragher tipping Blues
Dejan Kalinic writes: “Carragher, who won the Champions League during a stellar career at Liverpool, believes City are still favourites despite the Reds’ fast beginning to the season.
‘I think it’s a bit early yet. I think we’ve got to probably wait until Christmas,’ Carragher said on Wednesday.
‘I do feel around about Christmas time Liverpool and City will have a substantial gap and it looks like there’s a little bit of a gap at this moment.
‘But I still think City are favourites and are the best team in the Premier League at this moment because they won the Premier League and they proved that last season.’
Reaction
Finally, this morning, our former captain enjoyed a spectacular return to the Etihad last night with a huge crowd paying homage to the Belgian at his testimonial…
Daily Mail: Kompany’s perfect evening
Andy Hampson writes::“Vincent Kompany hailed a perfect evening despite being forced to miss his own testimonial through injury.
“A crowd of 51,602 turned up at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday to say farewell to the former Manchester City captain, who left the Premier League champions at the end of last season.
“The 33-year-old won 10 major honours in 11 years at the club but he was dogged by muscular problems throughout the second half of his City career.
‘It’s typical me,’ he said of the hamstring injury before the game, but that did not stop him enjoying the friendly between a City side featuring a host of star names from throughout his career and a Premier League All Stars XI.
‘I’m the proudest man in the world,’ said the Belgian, who also gave game time to his brother Francois and a number of players from Anderlecht, where he is now player-manager.
‘It’s been a special day. It’s been a perfect evening even though I didn’t play. I couldn’t have wished for more.’
Watch the highlights here.
And that’s that for today. More tomorrow.
