Former England defender Joleon Lescott has said that defenders are always nervous about facing Raheem Sterling due to his pace.
The former Everton and Manchester City defender insisted that the England international remains a dangerous attacker despite his poor form for the Gunners.
Sterling left Chelsea for Arsenal on a season-long loan last summer and has so far struggled to make an impact during his time at the Emirates.
The Gunners have been riddled with injuries this season, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka all sidelined.
Despite Arsenal’s injury crisis, Mikel Arteta has shown no faith in Sterling, as the Englishman has failed to contribute meaningfully.
He has managed just one goal in 22 games this term, playing only 307 minutes of Premier League action this season.
Despite this, Lescott believes opposing defenders would still sweat at the thought of going up against Sterling.
He told Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, “If you’re a defender, regardless of anything, if I’m looking at the teamsheet and I’m seeing Sterling, I’m nervous.
“If there’s a race, he’s going to win one. You’re still worried about the pace; you’re questioning that at the minute, but I still believe he is fast—he’s faster than most defenders.”
Sterling will be hoping to be in the lineup or return to the bench when the Gunners face PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday.
