Someone very good before Haaland? (8)

I haven't cracked this one yet — but the brilliant team at Fifteensquared have:

I assume we’re meant to think of Raheem Sterling who was Erling Haaland’s predecessor at Manchester City. ST – saint , someone very good & ERLING (haaland) and so an all-in-one clue. Not a great start for footballer loathers.