Former Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong believes Raheem Sterling deserves better after the winger endured time on the sidelines after a poor run of form.
The Englishman fell foul of Pep Guardiola's rotation and failed to assert himself as a regular fixture in the side during the early stages of the season as Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus were given runouts.
As a result, his future at the Etihad came under scrutiny with speculation seeing him linked with moves abroad to Barcelona as well as rumoured interest from Arsenal.
However, the 26-year-old has enjoyed an upturn in form, with two goals and an assist in his last four as he reiterates his importance to the Blues.
Sterling has two years remaining on his current deal at Manchester City and will see his stay at the club stretch to seven years by the end of the season.
But De Jong feels he is the type of player who should be starting following his illustrious career.
"He knows by the age that he is now, the stature, how he has been playing for the national team and City, he deserves better," he told Amazon Prime.
"He's not the player that deserves to sit on the bench and the number speak for themselves but on the other side, patience is key in football.
"If somebody else is getting injured, it's an opportunity for somebody else to come forward Sterling has taken that opportunity now so let's hope for him and for City he can continue his good form."
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