By Frank McAvennie

30th Sep, 2023 | 7:00am

Pundit slams Raheem Sterling after what he spotted at Chelsea

Raheem Sterling should never play up front for Chelsea again.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie claimed Sterling‘s goal tally should be in “double figures” this season already.

The 28-year-old has netted two goals in seven appearances in all competitions so far this season in what has been a disappointing start to their 2023-24 campaign.

The Blues have won just one of their opening six games this season after a disappointing end to last term where they finished 12th and ten points clear of the relegation zone.

In an effort to strengthen their attacking options, the Blues signed 22-year-old Nicolas Jackson from Villareal who scored the winning goal in their Carabao Cup game against Brighton (27 September).

But the striker will be absent for their next league game as he serves a suspension after picking up five bookings already this term.

McAvennie insisted Mauricio Pochettino’s side should be scoring more than they are with the options they’ve got.

“With the amount of chances that they are missing, Sterling should be in double figures by now,” he told Football Insider.

“He is not a centre-forward. He will score good goals but he is not an out and out striker.

“I am delighted for Jackson because I think he is decent. He has gone under the radar with all these superstars.

“It seems like everyone is playing for themselves, they are faced with impossible angles and instead of trying to pass to their teammates they are shooting. That is the difference between a good team and a great team.

“I think Sterling is maybe trying too hard at the moment.“

In other news, Chelsea plotting to sign replacement for defender in January.