Raheem Sterling’s first season at Chelsea has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries, new arrivals, and the shocking sacking of Thomas Tuchel at the start of September

Chelsea legend Joe Cole believes the Blues’ lack of fluidity and consistency, on and off the pitch is behind Raheem Sterling’s struggles.

The England international has endured a mixed debut season at Stamford Bridge, ever since his £50million move from Manchester City in the summer. He was brought to West London by Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked one and a half months into their time together.

Sterling has had to tolerate frequent position changes and niggling injuries since Graham Potter’s arrival. But despite the big money arrivals of Mykhalo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, and Joao Felix, Cole still believes Sterling will be a success at Stamford Bridge.

“Raheem is a top player, a top personality, and a leader for his country,” Cole said on behalf of BT Sports. “He will be a fantastic signing for Chelsea.

“He’s come into a difficult situation, the team is not fluid. It is very difficult for a forward player when the team is not fluid, or even as an attacking midfielder.

“He will be a big player for Chelsea, he will be a leader.” Numerous injuries and an unprecedented £300m January transfer spend means consistency has been hard to come by at Stamford Bridge. Competition for places is at an all time high and Potter’s team selections suggest he is trying to learn an awful lot about his new squad in a very short space of time.

Joe Cole has backed Raheem Sterling to turn it around (Image: BT Sport)

Sterling is expected to miss the Blues’ first leg clash against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League Round of 16. Considering the limited time he has endured ever since the World Cup, Cole has urged Potter to give the 27-year-old forward as much time as he needs to get back to full fitness and win his place back in the side. “He was at Manchester City a long time, playing a certain style of football, he’s come in and everything is changing,” Cole added.

“You need time. You need time, you need minutes. Raheem will know, he’s played at Manchester City with some of the top players of world football at the very top.

“It’s the same at Chelsea and he will know. He’s a leader, a top player, and he’s one you want on your side. He’s a great character. I have no worries with Raheem.”

SOURCE: dailystar.co.uk