Why Raheem Sterling deliberately lost muscle – and how it’s paying off | OneFootball

The Athletic have just published a really interesting article about Raheem Sterling and his bright start to the season.

The winger has been electric, and they put a lot of this down to a new diet and nutritionist. Sterling felt that he had become too bulky, and actually wanted to lose some muscle to get some of his agility back.

“In truth, he was trying to figure out what was wrong. He changed his diet, trying many different practices and even went vegan for a period. But Sterling still felt heavy, not as sharp as he wanted to be. It was not for the lack of trying. During that absence from the England camp, for example, the attacker spent his time doing drills and workouts at the club’s training ground rather than going on holiday; hardly the sign of an uncommitted player who does not care,” Simon Johnson wrote.

“But key to his renaissance was a conversation with Chelsea personnel over what was going on. The club recommended a nutritionist to him and they have been working together ever since. A list of foods has been provided that help with muscle recovery and refuelling.”

You could see it in action as he danced between Luton defenders and scored the opening goal on Friday night. Whatever he’s doing, it’s working.

All of this is very interesting, and you can never underestimate the benefits of marginal gains in football, but we can’t help but think that so much more of the improvement we’ve seen in these first few games of the season are down to just playing in a more aggressive role in a more attacking team that’s actually creating chances and getting Sterling the ball in attacking areas.