Raheem Sterling modelling his game on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as Manchester City star reveals he is his own harshest critic   

• e-mail

Raheem Sterling is studying Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in a bid to become one of football's elite players. 

The 21-year-old scored twice as Manchester City beat Borussia Monchengladbach 4-2 and sealed top spot in Group D of the Champions League.

It could mean they are dealt a favourable last-16 tie when the draw takes place on Monday.

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling is aiming to be one of the world's best players 

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo scored four goals in his side's 8-0 win over Malmo  

Four-time Ballon d'Or winner and Argentina captain Lionel Messi is one of Barcelona's star players 

And Sterling is watching those he could come up against in later rounds to hone his skills.

'I look at the biggest players in the world and try to see what they've all got,' he said. 'Definitely Messi and Ronaldo.

'They basically just set their life to play football. I know that's obvious, they should, but they just take it so seriously.

'They've got massive self-belief and know they're the best players in the world. That's what makes them unique and so special.'

Sterling was heavily criticised for the way in which he left Liverpool for £49million in the summer but reckons his harshest critic is himself.

Sterling has set himself some lofty targets and is looking to emulate Ronaldo and Messi 

Sterling has revealed that he is his own biggest critic and is determined to improve as a player 

'I just take everything I hear, take it in one ear and put it through the other. I concentrate on my football and that's all that matters,' he added.

'I sometimes criticise myself a bit too much because I know where I want to be.

'It's because I know what I'm capable of. To put it on the world stage is the most important thing now, showing people that I can play regularly and consistently, scoring goals and helping my team win matches.'