In the wake of Sterling’s latest standout display – Saturday’s 3-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa – colleague Ilkay Gundogan says the 24-year-old has the potential to become the world’s top player.
Meanwhile, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has hailed Kevin De Bruyne – another to shine against the Villans – as a ‘unique’ talent.
There are also reflections from Jill Scott on what was a frustrating Sunday for City’s women as well as the latest slice of transfer gossip so plenty to ponder this Monday morning.
News
The Independent – Sterling ‘can become the world’s best’
Andy Hampson: “Ilkay Gundogan believes Raheem Sterling is well on course to becoming the best player in the world.
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“Germany midfielder Gundogan praised his Manchester City team-mate after he scored the crucial breakthrough goal in the champions’ 3-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa on Saturday.
“After a frustrating first half at the Etihad Stadium, Sterling netted in the first minute of the second period to set up an ultimately comfortable victory.
“It was the England forward’s 17th goal in 18 appearances for club and country this season and came after an 11-minute hat-trick against Italian side Atalanta in midweek.
“Gundogan, who also got on the scoresheet, said: “He is among the five best attacking players in the world, definitely.
“Just now it’s about consistency, but he has shown in the last 12 to 18 months that he is able to be that consistent. If he can continue like that, he can be on the top. At the moment there are no limits for him.”
Manchester Evening News – Martinez hails ‘unique’ De Bruyne
Simon Bajkowski: “Belgium manager Roberto Martinez says he has never seen a playmaker like Kevin De Bruyne before.
“It’s difficult to give a proper description of his talent,” he told Sky Sports.
“I’ve never worked with a playmaker that can work at a faster pace than the game. Any playmaker we’re used to seeing a player that slows the tempo down and gets two seconds to think, two seconds to find that pass.
“Kevin De Bruyne sees the pass even before any spectators see it. That is a dynamic playmaking that he has. There’s not another player in world football in front of him that has that precision and execution - every ball in the box is exactly the same level of precision. City’s moves are never into feet, they are always into space, they know where the ball is going to go. I feel Kevin with his intensity is a unique playmaker.
“He doesn’t work in systems, he works in space and he’s got that ability to turn in any space and execute a pass. technically he’s so gifted. Normally you get gifted players technically but it doesn’t go along with that physicality and intensity.
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“I’ve never seen a player that can execute passes in transitions on any counter-attack like, his precision is immaculate. The uniqueness is to have that physicality and the technical ability.”
From the players
Daily Mail – City will go back to basics, says Scott
Jill Scott: “We have to be on it in every game in this League but perhaps we haven’t been of late. It’s time to get back to basics. Our defensive shape was better against Arsenal but we paid the price for not creating enough opportunities.
“Ellen White was one of our biggest signings this summer and it was great to see her come on as a sub in the second half, but we can’t pile pressure on her. Ellen’s been out for a few months and it would be unfair to expect instant results.
“We have to create more chances if we’re going to get a win against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of our last 16 tie on Wednesday. Win in Spain and it will give the team that little bit of extra belief.”
Transfer gossip
Daily Mail - City the latest big name club to track Brescia star
Adam Shergold: “Brescia star Sandro Tonali is attracting interest from a host of leading European clubs but the Italian club’s president Massimo Cellino claims he is worth £260million.
“Manchester City have joined Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid in the chase for the 19-year-old, according to Cellino, who insist Tonali would be better off staying put.
“Cellino told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘All the big Italian clubs, and abroad Atletico Madrid, PSG and Manchester City. But in my view, he’d be better off remaining with Brescia.
“‘The other day, his agent and his parents were telling me about this €50m evaluation. I replied that for me he is worth €300m, which means I don’t want to sell.
“‘I have a dream. If Sandro accepts, I am ready to make a big financial sacrifice to extend his contract.”
