Phil Thompson: 'Raheem Sterling not good enough for City'

Former Liverpool assistant manager Phil Thompson has said that Raheem Sterling needs to improve if he is to be a success at Manchester City.

Sterling signed for City for a fee of £49m after three years at Anfield.

"He's certainly a good player, but he's not a great player and that's why you won't find too many Liverpool fans shedding any tears for him," Thompson told The Mirror.

"Last season wasn't a great season for him. The one before that he did well with Suarez. But last year we were looking for a lot from him, but he didn't deliver. Luis Suarez is world class, but Sterling is nowhere near Suarez's capabilities, although he's still a very good player.

"City are paying for potential. Raheem's had 13 or 14 assists in the three years and has scored something like 18 league goals. You need a little bit more than that."

Sterling is Manchester City's first signing of the summer.