Pellegrini: Playing at Manchester City will improve Sterling

 

The Chilean sees playing alongside David Silva, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero as a step up for the England international, whom he expects to pay back his hefty transfer fee

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes that Raheem Sterling's development will benefit from working alongside his new team-mates.

The England international forward joined City from Liverpool in a £49 million deal this summer, becoming the most expensive ever English player, and put in an assured performance on debut in a 3-0 win against West Brom on Monday.

Pellegrini has no doubt that Sterling will pay back his transfer fee, expecting his all-round game to improve as a result of playing alongside the likes of David Silva and Sergio Aguero.

"It is always important for young players to play with good players. You can improve, the same way Sterling did with Luis Suarez or Steven Gerrard for Liverpool," the Chilean told reporters.

"Here he will play with David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure, players that will make him improve in a lot of ways. Young players always learn from important players.

"Sterling will be a very dangerous player. Maybe we were criticised for the amount we paid for him but I am sure he will demonstrate during the year, especially against the big teams, why he was valued so much.

"Last year he scored 11 in all competitions. I am sure this season he will improve."