EPL: This isn’t the player we know, love – Rio Ferdinand on Arsenal star

Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has said Arsenal star, Raheem Sterling is not ‘playing like himself’.

The former English defender offered his thoughts on why his countryman’s transfer to Arsenal so far has not gone as many would have expected.

Mikel Arteta had brought in Raheem Sterling in the last minutes of the 2024 summer transfer window to help the Gunners with his wealth of Premier League experience as they fight to win the title.

However, the former Southampton, Liverpool and Manchester City winger, has been a shadow of the player he actually is since arriving the Emirates.

Before joining Arsenal on loan, the Englishman had been removed from Chelsea’s main squad as manager Enzo Maresca insisted he was not part of his plans.

The winger enjoyed an abundance of success at Manchester City, winning four league titles with Pep Guardiola’s side.

Ferdinand feels Sterling is now lacking confidence at the Emirates.

The pundit said on his YouTube channel, “But what I would say is he ain’t playing like Sterling.

“When he’s on the pitch, I understand why because he’s lacking a bit of confidence.

“He’s playing a kind of a subdued approach, the Sterling that we know and we love, he gets the ball and he’s direct, running at you.”

Despite Arsenal’s injury crisis, Mikel Arteta has shown no faith in Sterling as the Englishman has failed to meaningfully contribute.

He has managed just one goal in 22 games this term, playing only 307 minutes of Premier League action this season.

EPL: This isn’t the player we know, love – Rio Ferdinand on Arsenal star