Dutch media change their tune on Raheem Sterling as Feyenoord fans issue telling reaction

View 4 Images

Raheem Sterling started his first home game for Feyenoord against rivals Excelsior and grabbed an assist in a 2-1 win. Most Dutch media outlets that had been so scathing of the Englishman appear to have back-pedalled after his most recent performance.

Sterling mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Chelsea in January and soon arrived in the Eredivisie despite visa issues delaying his move , though he failed to hit the ground running under Robin van Persie.

The former Liverpool , Manchester City and Arsenal winger caught an abundance of criticism for his early showing. But Van Persie decided to hand him his maiden home start on Sunday against Excelsior.

Sterling didn't disappoint. The 31-year-old enjoyed a lively first half and with his team trailing, he set up Ayase Ueda's winner in the 59th minute. While most Dutch media U-turned on early disapproval , some lingering dissatisfaction remained.

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

Most of the praise aimed at Sterling was generated from his generally positive play, with AD writing live early in the match: "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."

Fans evidently have Sterling's back and showed it with their encouragement here. The report continued as he set up the second goal: "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."

View 4 Images

Another publication, Voetbal International , shared such early applause for Sterling and wrote inside the opening 30 minutes: "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 continued: "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."

View 4 Images

However, not everyone was so impressed with Sterling's first goal involvement for the club. The Englishman was substituted after what some considered a stellar 82 minutes, but online outlet NU disagreed.

Its report was titled: "Sterling lacklustre despite assist." It read: "Feyenoord narrowly avoided dropping points against Excelsior at De Kuip on Sunday.

View 4 Images

"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.

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.