Pep Guardiola hailed an “incredible” performance from Raheem Sterling and believes the Manchester City forward is unrecognisable from the player who used to be “scared” in front of goal.

Sterling scored twice and claimed three assists in City’s 6-1 demolition of Southampton just days after verbally agreeing a new five-year contract with the Premier League champions.

Guardiola claimed the Sterling he encountered in his first season at City would look for excuses not to shoot but he believes the England forward is now going from strength to strength and, at 23, still has huge scope for improvement.

Asked what has been the biggest change he has seen in Sterling, the City manager said: "His head. The first season, he was scared [in front of goal], he was looking [and thinking], 'Who is the guy I am going to pass the ball to?'

"He was not looking [to score even though] the keeper was there. We spoke about that and said, 'Try to score goals'. Now you have the feeling [he thinks], 'Where is the goal and go there'. I have the feeling he is now enjoying scoring goals and making assists. He is becoming a winning player. He is stable and is focused on what he has to do to become a better player."