Ian Bendelow says… I’ll tell you who I really like: Nordi Mukiele — a proper, modern centre back. I would genuinely question whether this team is attempting to create a new style of play in which the ten outfield players don’t really have a defined position — with a few exceptions — and Mukiele epitomises […]
Ian Bendelow says…
I’ll tell you who I really like: Nordi Mukiele — a proper, modern centre back.
I would genuinely question whether this team is attempting to create a new style of play in which the ten outfield players don’t really have a defined position — with a few exceptions — and Mukiele epitomises that.
What’s to love the most about him? Is it the pocketing of Jean-Phillippe Mateta down at Selhurst Park, or perhaps it’s him popping up on the left hand corner of the opposition penalty area and attempting to dribble the ball into the box?
He’s the epitome of what Régis Le Bris and co want from their new signings — versatile and stuffed full of confidence and ability. It’s no surprise Bayer Leverkusen tried (and failed) to sign him because he is, as Harry Redknapp might say, “a ‘triffic player”.
John Wilson says…
For me, it’s been Noah Sadiki, but the thing is, it’s not really been a surprise!
I remember listening to Haway The Podcast regarding all the incomings and movement in the transfer window, and one of the many transfer experts who have their ears to the ground was asked about Sadiki. “You’ll love him”, came the reply. “He’ll be a favourite with the fans, and never stops running”.
He also said that Noah was very fast off the mark and over a short sprint, and would cover every inch of the pitch. Listening to that pod back in August, I knew exactly what sort of player we were going to get — and I haven’t been disappointed.
He’s a terrier, biting at opponents’ heels and has even created the saying that “Seventy percent of the Earth is covered by water, and the other thirty percent by Sadiki”.
The other interesting thing about him is that he always seems to have a smile on his face. To me, that also comes under the scouting remit of looking for players who can fit in and be a supportive member of the squad.
The fact this new team has bonded so well isn’t an accident. I think the backroom staff look for players to suit our style, ethos and club identity. In Sadiki we’ve found a grafter and a fighter, and he’s great to watch.
Lee Morrison says…
For me, it isn’t even a debate. It’s Noah Sadiki.
Not since my first watch of Forrest Gump have I seen one man cover so much ground in the space of ninety minutes. Whilst we appear to be in the Fantasy Premier League era of rating midfielders based on assists and goals, Sadiki offers something different. He breaks up play, presses relentlessly and provides an outlet from which we can attack teams.
Not only that, but his character and the value he adds to the squad seems immeasurable. He was instantly popular with his teammates and demonstrates the values that we need to stay in this league.
He’ll be a miss during AFCON but he’s different class. I’ll be expecting him to shine again against Manchester United on Saturday.
Phil West says…
It’s a coin toss between Granit Xhaka and Robin Roefs but I’m going for the Swiss international who’s brought elite leadership credentials, a hard-nosed, winning mindset and some serious quality to the red and white midfield.
Every now and then, I have to remind myself — “Yes, Xhaka is a Sunderland player and this isn’t some kind of dream” — yet it still feels somewhat surreal to consider the hugely experienced former Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder now plies his trade on Wearside.
How can you fail to be impressed by the impact he’s made thus far?
With three assists, some dominant performances and an on-field aura that’s seldom been matched by a Sunderland player post-2000, Xhaka has raised the standards, is essentially Régis Le Bris’ eyes and ears on the pitch, and for someone like Chris Rigg who’s still learning his trade, he must be a borderline God-like figure in the dressing room and on the training ground.
His presence on the field lifts everyone — players and fans alike — and he’s the embodiment of what we can firmly describe as a ‘new Sunderland’ — a team and a club determined to achieve sustained progress during this season and beyond.
We’ve completed some grade-A transfer business this year and there are plenty of worthy candidates, but Xhaka is my pick by a slim margin over the brilliant Roefs, and he’s going to continue to lead this side forward, without a doubt
Tom Albrighton says…
I love a shithouse, I love buck mental defenders, and no continent produces them in such abundance than South America, so when news broke of Sunderland signing a South American centre back who was averaging a yellow card every other game for Getafe, you can bet your life my interest was a little more than piqued.
However, that interest has soon dissipated to leave nothing but absolute adoration for Omar Alderete.
I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting but it wasn’t this. Cool as you like both in and out of possession, great in the air and with sublime distribution, Omar is just everything you can want in a defender and more.
From his very first touch in a Sunderland shirt, Alderete set the tone for the coming weeks and right now he looks utterly unstoppable.
Full blooded and committed but also bloody brilliant, I can’t thank whoever found Omar enough and I have no doubt come the end of the season, we’ll be discussing him as one of the signings of the season, although right now it looks like that may be quite a populated field.
Category: General Sports
