Dutch media all agree on 'futile' Raheem Sterling in Feyenoord loss - 'Why sign him?'

View 3 Images

Raheem Sterling came off the bench in new side Feyenoord's 2-0 loss to FC Twente on Sunday. But for the second week running, the Englishman's performance was subject to scrutiny.

The 31-year-old arrived in the Eredivisie last month after mutually agreeing to terminate his Chelsea contract, though his debut was delayed by visa issues. Robin van Persie's side even accommodated Sterling by relocating training sessions across the Belgian border to bypass work-permit restrictions and integrate him early.

He was substituted in just after the hour mark to make his first appearance against relegation-threatened Telstar last week. But he made little impact, and his conduct was the subject of much discussion after the 2-1 win.

Once again, he was introduced from the bench as the Rotterdam side struggled away from home against Twente and trailed 1-0. However, ex- Manchester City , Arsenal and Liverpool winger Sterling couldn't spark a resurgence in the eventual 2-0 defeat and Dutch media didn't mince their words.

MAKE THE MIRROR YOUR FIRST CHOICE! Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Specifically, AD criticised Sterling's lack of match fitness. A report read: "After the break, Feyenoord had to hunt for an equaliser and the question was how many minutes the much-discussed Raheem Sterling would get. He ended up with half an hour.

"But Feyenoord were just winging it in the Grolsch Veste stadium. Sterling is far from fit, everyone knows and sees that, so a heroic performance is simply not possible. They were just waiting for FC Twente's knockout."

View 3 Images

AD columnist Willem van Hanegem was especially damning with his words. He penned: "The Englishman shouldn't have wanted this move, and neither should Feyenoord.

"According to the manager, it will take another eight weeks before Sterling can be properly assessed. Only then will he be fit. Why sign him then?"

Instead of doubting fitness, De Telegraaf focused on how little of an impact four-time Premier League champion Sterling had when he came on in the 61st minute.

Their critical analysis reads: "Robin van Persie knew he had to intervene and did so after an hour, making three substitutions simultaneously.

View 3 Images

"Englishman Raheem Sterling, Dane Casper Tengstedt and Korean In-beom Hwang were tasked with revitalising the team. But the attacking play didn't improve.

"FC Twente, who had won considerably more duels, felt in control of the pitch in the second half, keeping Sterling, Tengstedt and Hwang in check."

Much like its contemporaries, NOS was also scathing of the Englishman's influence or lack thereof. NOS reported: "Van Persie tried to revitalise the game with three substitutions in the 61st minute.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.