Raheem Sterling gets stunning first assist for new club Feyenoord

Raheem Sterling helped inspire Feyenoord to a comeback victory over Excelsior in the Eredivisie on Sunday.

The former England international grabbed his first goal involvement for the club as they beat their local rivals.

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Feyenoord had trailed at half-time before two goals in two minutes for Ayase Ueda turned the match on his head.

Just a minute after the Japanese striker’s first goal, Sterling sent him through on goal for a second with a perfectly weighted pass.

The 31-year-old had received the ball inside his own half before a first time pass split the two Excelsior defenders to release Ueda.

He then calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper to complete a quickfire turnaround.

It marked the first assist for Sterling since joining Feyenoord last month.

Having had his contract terminated with Chelsea in January, the winger signed a deal until the end of the season with the Dutch side.

Prior to Sunday’s victory, he had made just one start across his first three appearances.

However, Sterling played 81 minutes for Robin van Persie’s outfit as they maintained their slim title hopes.

He was ultimately replaced by Casper Tengstedt for the final nine minutes of normal time.

His exit only came after he had assisted Ueda for the winner, though.

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The result sees Feyenoord remain second in the table, 16 points adrift of leaders PSV with seven matches remaining.

Sterling will be hoping to continue his form at home to Ajax in De Klassieker next weekend.

Feyenoord were beaten in both meetings last season as well as their clash earlier in the current campaign.

They have not beaten their bitter rivals since a 6-0 home win at De Kuip in April 2024.

Meanwhile, Sterling will now be looking to end his goal drought after a first assist for Feyenoord.

His last competitive club goal came in the third round of last season’s Carabao Cup against Bolton Wanderers.

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Having failed to score against NAC Breda earlier this month, he even called out a reporter for laughing after the match.

The interviewer had appeared to poke fun at Sterling’s inability to find the target during the 3-3 draw.

After the journalist brought up a second half chance he had missed, Sterling smiled as he replied: “You shouldn’t be laughing my guy.”

The four-time Premier League champion scored 123 goals in the competition for Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.