What’s going wrong for Sterling at Chelsea – and what does it mean for England?

Thomas Tuchel said Raheem Sterling’s ?47.5m signing from rivals Manchester City was Chelsea’s “No 1 priority” back in July. Less than four months later, Tuchel is gone and working out how to get the best from the 27-year-old is fast becoming Graham Potter’s No 1 concern.

Tuchel was understandably enthused by the capture of a four-time Premier League winner from a fellow big-six side and highlighted the “flexibility, mobility and attacking options at the front” the 27-year-old would add to his side.

Tuchel’s replacement Potter has spoken similarly of Sterling since taking the reins at Stamford Bridge, praising his “flexibility, ability and quality to play in several positions.”

But whereas his predecessor immediately installed Sterling into the attack, Potter has utilised the England international’s tactical versatility by deploying him in a variety of positions – including wing-back.

Even while the head coach enjoyed a nine-game unbeaten run at the start of his Chelsea career, his use of Sterling raised eyebrows. Whether playing as a winger, a striker or as a wing-back, the fact remains that Sterling has just one goal and one assist under Potter.