Raheem Sterling’s transformation from a zippy winger to a lethal goalscoring machine was no accident. It was the result of a training drill introduced by Mikel Arteta during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. This drill focused on improving Sterling’s efficiency in front of goal, turning him into one of the most lethal goalscoring wingers in Europe.
Arteta, in his first coaching role, played a crucial role in Sterling’s development by focusing on specific moments in the game and working closely with the analyst team. Together, they identified key areas where wingers scored most often, how quickly a shot had to be taken, and the zones where most goals are assisted and scored.
Based on their research, Arteta introduced a modified training drill for Sterling to work on in the academy. This drill emphasized the need to act decisively, not to overcomplicate, and to make quick decisions under pressure. With limited time to train, these sessions after training were crucial in reinforcing the message.
Guardiola’s fitness coach, Lorenzo Buenaventura, ensured that City’s training sessions were game-realistic, with drills that mimicked real match situations. Sterling had to sprint 60 yards before taking a shot inside a marked square, simulating the lack of oxygen in the brain that occurs during a match, making decision-making more difficult.
The results were impressive. Sterling’s goal-scoring numbers improved significantly, with his shot conversion rate almost doubling as City won the league with a record 100 points. His success under Arteta’s guidance saw him reach new heights in his goal-scoring abilities, cementing his reputation as a top winger in Europe.
After leaving City for Chelsea and experiencing struggles, Sterling reunited with Arteta at Arsenal. The timing of his arrival could not have been better, as he had two weeks during the international break to refresh his muscle memory on Arteta’s methods. Both Sterling and Arteta have evolved since their time at City, and they will be hoping to make a difference against City on Sunday.
Sterling has a proven track record of performing well against his former club, and Arteta has a history of unlocking his untapped potential. Together, they will be looking to continue their successful partnership and help Arsenal secure a positive result against City.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Arteta and Sterling at City was instrumental in transforming the winger into a lethal goalscorer. Their shared history and understanding of each other’s strengths make them a formidable duo, capable of making a significant impact on the pitch. As they prepare to face City once again, all eyes will be on Sterling and Arteta to see if they can recreate the magic that made them such a successful partnership in the past.
