Former Chelsea star Pat Nevin has slammed Raheem Sterling for an 'absolutely terrible' display during Chelsea's 4-1 defeat to Brighton. The 27-year-old extended his goal drought to six games after failing to net - and impress - at the Amex Stadium.
Sterling enjoyed an exciting start to life at Stamford Bridge, directly contributing towards four goals in his first five Premier League appearances. But, the England international is yet to rekindle the form and, as a result, he's become subject to criticism.
However, it must be said that the Chelsea forward has been used in a number of foreign positions since Graham Potter replaced Thomas Tuchel. Sterling, who by trade is a right-winger and striker, has recently been operated as a wing-back.
READ MORE: Every word Graham Potter said on Brighton vs Chelsea, Kepa, Mendy, Sterling, Pulisic and more
And, after featuring there again for Chelsea against Brighton, he's been slammed with his performance. As quoted by the Metro, Nevin said: "I'm watching Raheem Sterling right now, and I've said that Graham Potter has got the best from every player since he has been there, with one exception.
"Raheem Sterling. If he keeps playing the way he is right now, he's not even a consideration for the World Cup. He is having a really, really bad time, and today he is having an absolutely terrible game."
Speaking to football.london after the Blues' defeat to Brighton, Potter shed light on why he insisted on using Sterling and Christian Pulisic as wing-backs. The 47-year-old said: "The responsibility for those two wasn't to defend against their wing-backs, but I understand that whenever you do something, and it doesn't work, you look a bit of a fool.
"That is how it is. I have to accept that, deal with that, do better, and I'll learn. That's the process," Potter added. "It's not about change. You need to find a way to win and perform.
"We've had a lot of games in October and an incredible schedule. So for different reasons, we've lost key players in terms of Reece [James], [Kalidou] Koulibaly, [Wesley] Fofana and [N'Golo] Kante.
"So there is a constant challenge in how to set up. We tried today, and again, it can be tactical, or it can be the intensity, and the opponent do what they do better. I have to analyse the game and look at how I can improve."
READ NEXT:
Every word Graham Potter said on Brighton vs Chelsea, Kepa, Mendy, Sterling, Pulisic and more
Chelsea player ratings as Kai Havertz nets and Sterling struggles and Blues hammered by Brighton
What Brighton fans said to Graham Potter at the Amex Stadium as Chelsea boss 'welcomed' back
'Burned to a crisp' - Chelsea fans agree on brutally honest Marc Cucurella verdict vs Brighton
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
