Raheem Sterling, recently signed by Feyenoord from Chelsea, made his long-awaited debut on Sunday during a 2-1 victory over Telstar, coming on as a substitute in the second half. Dutch media outlets were critical of his performance, expressing disappointment despite the win. Sterling had faced difficulties leading up to his debut, including work permit issues that prevented him from training in the Netherlands, forcing the team to hold sessions in Belgium to accommodate him.

His first match experience with the club did not go as hoped, with commentators noting that he struggled to make an impact on the game. Sterling's comments post-match reflected his awareness of needing more time to integrate and build fitness after an extended period away from competitive play. This debut had generated considerable anticipation, given his stature as a four-time Premier League winner and previous performance in England's national squad.

The critique from the media highlights the pressure on Sterling as he transitions to the Eredivisie and looks to establish himself at Feyenoord. The scrutiny he faces is intensified by the excitement surrounding his signing and the hopes that have been placed on him to contribute meaningfully to the team's success. As he settles into the squad, both he and the club will be eager to see improvements in his performances in the upcoming matches.