Why Raheem Sterling will solve Leeds’ attacking issues, the stats prove it
Leeds have recently been linked to Raheem Sterling as Daniel Farke looks to solve his goalscoring issues.
The winger has become an outcast at Chelsea this season, with his transfer to the Blues proving to be a failure.
Despite attempts to resurrect his career at Arsenal on loan last campaign, the former England international is now a forgotten player in the Premier League.
As a result, Leeds are preparing a move for Sterling, ready for the winter transfer window, and despite the attacker not even playing a minute this season, it could be the perfect move for both parties.
Raheem Sterling is not afraid of getting the ball into the box
Leeds’ attack this season has been woeful.
Players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin have just not been good enough at Elland Road, which has seriously increased the chance of relegation.
While a new striker should be the highest on the priority list for Leeds in the upcoming transfer window, adding Sterling to the lineup would improve Farke’s starting XI leaps and bounds.
According to Fotmob on 20 November, one of Sterling’s best traits last season was his touches inside the opposition box.
| Raheem Sterling’s Premier League stats last season | Per 90 minutes |
| Assists | 0.36 |
| xG | 0.26 |
| Passing accuracy | 84.6% |
| Success dribbles | 1.81 |
| Dribbles success rate | 50% |
| Touches in opposition box | 8.53 |
Per game, he was averaging 8.53, an incredibly high average.
For context, Leeds have only managed 236 touches in the opposition box this Premier League season, working out to be an average of 21.45 a game.
This helped Sterling create numerous good opportunities for Arsenal, averaging an assist every 0.36 games.
Much of this was down to his dribbling ability, with the winger still making 1.81 successful dribbles a game at a 50 per cent success rate.
While a good striker will still be needed to convert these potential chances, the stats show that Sterling would add a significant attacking threat at Elland Road.
By having a player who is not afraid to take on defenders and get the ball into the box, it could be the solution to Leeds’ attacking woes.
Chelsea are prepared for subsidised Sterling’s wages
One of the biggest stumbling blocks for Leeds when pursuing Sterling will be his wages.
Reports suggest that the former England international is currently on £300,000-a-week.
However, Chelsea are prepared to heavily subsidise this in order to get him off the books.
Sportsbloom on 20 November suggests that the Blues could underwrite more than half that amount should they receive a serious approach for his services.
Hopefully, this will be able to persuade Leeds to make an official move for the attacker in the coming months.
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