Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has claimed that Raheem Sterling is as important to Manchester City as Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Sergio Aguero.
Sterling has been in excellent form so far this season, with the winger having scored six goals and provided five assists in nine Premier League appearances.
The England international is on the verge of agreeing a new five-year deal at City that will see him earn £300,000-a-week, becoming the highest-paid British player in the process.
Carragher, who played with Sterling at Liverpool, believes that the 23-year-old is worthy of earning such a significant amount.
Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Carragher said: 'Raheem Sterling is on the verge of signing a really big contract and maybe eyebrows raised at the figures involved. But he is in company of players who are earning those figures. This lad gets far too much criticism.
'What this lad is achieving, the move to City, the price tag, Guardiola coming in. A young English lad is thriving in a team with maybe the best manager in the world.'
'He deserves everything he gets. What he is doing for Manchester City now, we talk about Aguero, Silva, De Bruyne; he is in that company.'
Sterling was previously accused of lacking ruthlessness in front of goal, but he certainly seems to have addressed that issue, having scored 18 times in the league last season as he helped City to win the title.
The 23-year-old was also hugely impressive in England's victory over Spain last month as he scored a brace - his first goals for his country in three years.
Sterling is playing with much confidence and will be determined to help City retain the Premier League title this season, while Pep Guardiola's side will also be looking for a lengthy run in the Champions League.
City, who are top of their group, host Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday in their next fixture.
CityMan
0
Absolutely true. Talk about the chances he misses but he gets more chances than anybody because of his own skill. Tons of time to improve too.
Ryan83
1
glad to see he's getting the respect he deserves as a player
SaadPanchoo
0
He is proving he is better than Sane.
James16jj8
0
Sterling is more consistent than hazard. He¿s dribbles between players were sometimes breath taking
I am mancity fan but comparing Sterling to hazard sounds more ironic, no epl winger is better than hazard
12UnitedGuy
1
Sterling needs to be much more decisive in front of goal and he should stop disrupting the speed of the game almost every time the ball is passed to him but he is a fine player nonetheless
hamaka
1
Still goes missing in the big games and for England.
japonica
2
What a hypocrite Carragher is after blasting Sterling for numerous yrs not because of his football but because he left his beloved Liverpool
hillbilly12
2
has stepped up a gear since the world cup
Assessment
0
I think what we can say is nobody in this city team is more important than the other. They can do about with any one of them missing apart from Aguero and the keeper.
boost
0
Sterling is more consistent than hazard. He's dribbles between players were sometimes breath taking
freakyfriday
0
Sterling is more consistent than hazard. He¿s dribbles between players were sometimes breath taking
consistency debatable but no one in epl has breathtaking dribbles than eden
Giz
0
British lad? A Jamaican lad from Waterhouse not Waterworks!
Josejob
0
has stepped up a gear since the world cup
Grammer
0
I think what we can say is nobody in this city team is more important than the other. They can do about with any one of them missing apart from Aguero and the keeper.
teenager
0
Sterling is more consistent than hazard. He¿s dribbles between players were sometimes breath taking
keldiah
2
thats true..... raheem has become one of cityzenz best players 4rm last season as its 2nd topscorer
MadimetjaSane
0
Respect. Raz on fire!!