Dutch media delivers Raheem Sterling verdict as ex-Liverpool star 'anonymous'

Former Liverpool star Raheem Sterling made his long-awaited Feyenoord debut on Sunday during the team's 2-1 win against Telstar, with Dutch media unanimous in their critical assessment

Raheem Sterling has joined Feyenoord(Image: Getty Images)

Dutch media unanimously agreed on Raheem Sterling's long-awaited return to action for Feyenoord.

The former Liverpool and Manchester City star joined the Eredivisie club earlier this month following a mutual termination of his Chelsea contract. Work permit complications prevented the 31-year-old from training in the Netherlands, with Feyenoord - managed by Robin van Persie - even relocating the team's sessions to Belgium to allow Sterling to regain match sharpness.

Sunday saw Sterling make his maiden appearance for the side, entering the fray in the 61st minute during Feyenoord's 2-1 home triumph over Telstar. Reflecting afterwards, the four-time Premier League champion commented: "Haven't played in little bit, but just trying to keep fit.

"Been with the team now for a little bit, so it's just all on building a step at a time and trying to get to match fitness. Good to start your first game with a win, think that's the most important. The targets that we're chasing, so a good debut."

Sterling's debut has generated considerable discussion, with much of the Dutch national press weighing in after witnessing the winger's first competitive match in nine months. Valentine Driessen of De Telegraaf observed the fervent anticipation that Sterling's arrival in Rotterdam sparked among the club's supporters ahead of his second-half appearance in Sunday's fixture.

He wrote: "The former star, primarily of Manchester City, Liverpool, and later Arsenal and Chelsea, had already caused a frenzy at the Feyenoord store. Last week, Feyenoord shirts bearing the English striker's name were flying off the shelves."

Sterling enjoyed a win on his debut(Image: Getty Images)

Despite the excitement surrounding his bow, Driessen characterized Sterling's debut as "anonymous" and maintained that considerably more will be demanded of him against some of the stronger sides in the Eredivisie.

He continued: "But what could he achieve in Van Persie's side? Not much, as it turned out. After nine months without a match at the highest level, Sterling refused to force himself despite the enthusiasm of Het Legio (nickname of Feyenoord's fans).

"Hence, it was a rather anonymous and lacklustre debut. Hopes are pinned on Sterling when Feyenoord, after a brave Telstar, faces more serious opponents and his flashes are needed more."

Dutch publication AD also highlighted the fans' joy in watching a Premier League icon wear their colours for the first time. Mikos Gouka wrote: "The cheers only grew louder with his first touch. In fact, literally every ball the 31-year-old Englishman played wide generated euphoria in De Kuip."

However, Gouka was particularly scathing in his assessment of Sterling's 30-minute appearance, suggesting the winger must raise his game as he works towards full match sharpness. He remarked: "A real contribution was yet to materialize, but that was a concern for the Feyenoord supporters. The newcomer needs time to truly prove himself in the final matches of the season.

"A half-hour start, it was already more playing time than expected. Raheem Sterling has made his debut. The left winger hasn't shown much yet; that will be something for the next 10 matches when he's truly fit."

Sterling's brief outing also came under scrutiny on ESPN's 'Dit Was Het Weekend' programme, where pundit Kees Kwakman suggested it could take 10 fixtures before we witness the England international at his peak.

Following the final whistle, he observed: "He was unremarkable, and I think you could mainly see that he's not fit yet. It doesn't look perfect yet. He'll need time to show Sterling at his best. But it's only about 10 matches away."

Another analyst, Kenneth Perez, said that Sterling "held back" in his display due to a lack of match action. He added: "It had a certain legendary quality, the way he moved. That's not surprising, since he hasn't played in so long. You're a bit scared then. I did think he held back. They obviously took him on a gamble."