Joe Cole: Sterling makes a difference in big games, that's what Chelsea needs

Joe Cole, who is working as part of Chelsea’s pre-season tour to the United States, commented on the signing of Rahim Sterling.

‘The longevity he has had is incredible and he’s still young. Arguably, Chelsea could be getting him in his best years.

‘Raheem is a leader, a quiet leader,’ he adds, ‘and he gives us experience in that area of the pitch. We have it with Thiago and Azpi at the back, but now we have more at the other end of the pitch.’

‘His dynamism, he makes things happen, his running behind. He is a fantastic timer of runs into the box and is technically very good. He can take a man out with his dribbling which is vital. He is an all-rounder, he gets goals, he makes goals. He makes a difference in big games, that's what we need.’

‘He's probably looked at Chelsea and thought there's an opportunity for me to be the main man here. I think it’s Raheem wanting a new challenge.

‘I'm excited, it’s the first signing of the new era and it is what I call a signing for now. You're not concerned about there being a period of adjustment. There might be but you're buying someone to produce the goods in the first game of the season.’