Raheem Sterling has become a standout star at Manchester City.

He was always tipped for success, but under the guidance of Pep Guardiola the forward has kicked on to become one of the best in Europe.

On his day, Sterling is capable of putting in a match-winning performance. He's done it plenty of times.

In fact, seeing Manchester City lose is a rare sight these days.

They may have been pipped to the Premier League title, but Guardiola's side are amongst the favourites to win the Champions League.

Winning games makes you a good team, of course, but the sign of a great one is being able to bounce back from defeat. 

To become the best, you constantly need to improve - that applies to all the players too and it seems Sterling is one who always strives to be better. 

Sterling strives to be great

Gary Lineker has recently revealed the extent the Man City star has previously gone to in order to become one of the best. 

Following City's heartbreaking Champions League quarter-final defeat to Tottenham last season, Sterling personally requested for a copy of BT Sport's match broadcast. 

He wanted to dissect every detail of his performance and also wanted a reminder of what it's actually like to lose a game.  

Sterling needed highlights of Man City's heartbreak

"I don't know whether I'm supposed to share this or it's supposed to be a secret from Raheem," Lineker said, per The Sun.

"But he actually got in touch with BT to ask for the video of last season's game against Tottenham Hotspur that they lost.

"Not just to see his performance but he wanted to get that feeling back of losing and what it meant, which just shows you how much thought goes into his game. 

Man City were left heartbroken in that game

"He wanted to make sure it didn't happen again."

That's the absolute definition of elite mentality.

Sterling and co. will be hoping to avoid more Champions League heartbreak this season and let's be honest, it wouldn't be a shock to see them lift the trophy later this month.