Raheem Sterling is still working to establish himself at Arsenal.
Raheem Sterling will be hoping to feature for Arsenal against Southampton this afternoon.
The winger is yet to start a Premier League game for the Gunners since joining Mikel Arteta’s squad on loan from Chelsea on Transfer Deadline Day.
However, there is an argument that Arteta should rotate his team for this clash with the Saints. Even if Sterling doesn’t start, he will be hoping for significant game time.
In order to get the opportunities to impress on the pitch for the North London club though, Sterling will need to catch Arteta’s eye with his work on the training pitch.
Arsenal ace Raheem Sterling shares training preference
Sterling and Arteta already share a positive relationship, borne out of the time they spent working together at Manchester City.
As such, the 29-year-old will be well aware of what the Spanish coach demands and expects of his players on the training pitch.
Meanwhile, as an experienced player, the 82-cap England international will also be aware of where he excels and how he can stand out from his teammates.
As quoted by the club’s official website, Sterling has now discussed his preferred training methods.
He said: “My favourite drills in training were always taking players on. Just turning and running at players. That was always the joy for me, having the ball at my feet and trying to beat players. The more I could do that, the better I was playing. It’s the same now too, but of course as well as that I’m looking to get goals on the end of that.”
Why Mikel Arteta should start Sterling against Southampton
Sterling is an established and decorated star, with four Premier League titles, amongst numerous other honours, to his name. As such, he will have joined Arsenal with the aim and expectation of playing regular football.
In order to keep his players happy and fresh throughout the season, Arteta must rotate regularly and show faith in the depth of his squad.
Starting Sterling against the Saints would send a message of encouragement to the player, and also allow for Bukayo Saka to be rested, as the Hale End academy graduate will almost certainly play for England in the upcoming international break, meaning he won’t be afforded any time off in that period.
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