Dutch media divided over Raheem Sterling as Robin van Persie decision pays off

Raheem Sterling registered his first assist for Feyenoord in their 2-1 win over Excelsior with Robin van Persie giving him his home debut

Raheem Sterling was handed his first home appearance for Feyenoord against local rivals Excelsior and contributed an assist in a 2-1 victory. The majority of Dutch media outlets that had previously criticised the Englishman harshly seem to have revised their stance, although not all of them were on the same page.

Sterling reached a mutual agreement to terminate his Chelsea contract in January and swiftly joined the Eredivisie club, although visa complications delayed his arrival and he struggled to make an immediate impact under Robin van Persie.

The former Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal wide man faced considerable criticism for his initial performances. However, Van Persie opted to give him his first home start on Sunday against Excelsior.

Sterling delivered on the opportunity. The 31-year-old produced an energetic first-half showing and, with his side behind, he provided the assist for Ayase Ueda's decisive goal in the 59th minute. Whilst the majority of Dutch media reversed their initial criticism, some reservations persisted.

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AD

Much of the acclaim directed towards Sterling stemmed from his overall encouraging performance, with AD reporting live during the early stages: "Supporters in De Kuip shift on the edge of their seats. Sterling is on the ball. Is anything going to happen? Yes! A shot! It is blocked, but the Feyenoord fans are now chanting."

Supporters clearly have Sterling's back, as demonstrated by their cheers in this instance. As he set up the second goal, the report continued: "Things are suddenly moving very fast in De Kuip.

"Once again, Excelsior is wide open. Ueda sprints past everyone and finishes with composure after a beautiful assist from Sterling, who sets up Ueda perfectly. The striker scores his 22nd goal of the season."

Voetbal International

Another outlet, Voetbal International, also showered early praise on Sterling, writing within the first half-hour: "Sterling is providing some excitement.

"The winger accelerates and attempts to shoot, but his shot is blocked. Then there was Feyenoord's first really good attack. Sterling plays a good ball to Jordan Bos, who lobs the ball towards Ueda. The Japanese player jumps high but just misses the ball!"

The report went on: "Feyenoord almost scored the equaliser! Sterling was allowed to take a good shot and the Englishman smashed the ball into the far corner, forcing Stijn van Gassel to make yet another magnificent save."

NU

However, not all were as taken with Sterling's first goal contribution for the club. Despite what some viewed as an impressive 82-minute performance, online platform NU was rather more scathing.

Their report bore the headline: "Sterling lacklustre despite assist." It stated: "Feyenoord narrowly avoided dropping points against Excelsior at De Kuip on Sunday.

"A goal by Arthur Zagre gave Excelsior a 0-1 lead after a strong opening phase, after which the murmurs in De Kuip were clearly audible. The supporters voiced their displeasure over the dismal results of the last few months.

"After the break, Feyenoord turned it around after all. Ueda beat the Excelsior goalkeeper and just two minutes later, the Japanese player scored the winner.

"But Van Gassel distinguished himself with fine reflexes, even twice in a row after shots from Ueda and the once again lacklustre Sterling, who did manage to register his first assist."