Dutch media refuse to hold back after Raheem Sterling's 'anonymous' Feyenoord debut

Dutch media had their say on Raheem Sterling turning out for Feyenoord for the first time

The Dutch press were unanimous in their assessment of Raheem Sterling's debut for Feyenoord.

The former England international joined the Eredivisie side earlier this month following the mutual termination of his Chelsea deal. Complications with his work permit prevented the 31-year-old from training on Dutch soil, prompting Feyenoord - managed by Robin van Persie - to relocate their training sessions across the border to Belgium so Sterling could prepare with his new team-mates.

Sunday saw Sterling make his bow for the Rotterdam club, entering the action in the 61st minute during their 2-1 home triumph over Telstar. Reflecting on the occasion afterwards, the four-time Premier League champion commented: "[I] 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. [With] the targets that we're chasing, so a good debut."

Sterling's first outing has generated considerable discussion, with the Dutch national press offering their verdicts on the winger's first appearance following a nine-month absence from competitive action.

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De Telegraaf

Valentine Driessen of De Telegraaf highlighted the extraordinary excitement amongst supporters following Sterling's arrival in Rotterdam in the build-up to 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."

However, despite the hysteria around his first outing, Driessen characterised Sterling's bow as "anonymous" and suggested far more would be demanded when facing stronger opposition 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."

AD

Dutch publication AD similarly reported on the fans' excitement at 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."

Yet when assessing his half-hour appearance, Gouka delivered a particularly harsh verdict on Sterling's showing, suggesting the winger must raise his standards whilst continuing to build his fitness levels. He remarked: "A real contribution was yet to materialise, 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."

ESPN

Sterling's brief outing also came under scrutiny on ESPN's 'Dit Was Het Weekend' programme, where pundit Kees Kwakman suggested supporters will need to wait 10 matches before witnessing Sterling 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." Colleague Kenneth Perez suggested Sterling appeared "held back" during his performance owing to insufficient match sharpness.

He continued: "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."

Fr-Fans

Similar views were expressed about Sterling's lack of sharpness during the match, which was understandable considering it marked his first appearance since Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Southampton last May.

Fr-Fans highlighted the Englishman's debut as a bright spot from Feyenoord's triumph, whilst acknowledging there's still work to be done before he returns to peak form. They wrote: "One positive was Raheem Sterling's first minutes, where he showed he still has significant progress to make to regain full fitness."