With the new premier league season upon us and pre-season complete, it is time for the Sunderland players to once again begin to show their worth with performances on the pitch. Many of the Sunderland squad have underachieved in previous years and here we look at five players who need to impress Dick Advocaat this season.
Jack Rodwell – The £10 million man, signed last summer from Manchester City, was deemed to be the solution to Sunderland’s midfield problems. Despite a well-known fitness issue, Sunderland went ahead with the expensive transfer. Although the former Everton man scored three goals the deal has so far backfired with Rodwell managing fewer than thirty league appearances. Rodwell must improve on his fitness if he is to fulfil the potential he showed before his move to Manchester City and if he can show his Everton form, Sunderland will have a very good player on their books.
Emmanuele Giaccherini – Sunderland’s little Italian has had a frustrating time on Wearside since his £6 million move from Juventus. Despite his undoubted ability, two seasons blighted by injuries have led to the Italian International falling down the pecking order. Regular football for the Italian will benefit all parties, with Giaccherini’s desire to play for his national side and Sunderland desperate for an attacking creative spark. It is now or never for the thirty-year old with Sunderland looking for a return on their investment or the club may have to cash in on the midfielder while they still can.
Vito Mannone – Perhaps a little harsh on Mannone given his heroics for the Black Cats in his first season at the club. However, after an abysmal start to last season – including conceding eight at Southampton – Mannone lost his spot to Costel Pantilimon and has never looked like regaining it. The former Arsenal man will have to reclaim his starting spot or risk being sold next summer for the good of his own career. With a burning desire to play first team football, whilst also being on considerable wages for a backup keeper compared to third choice academy keeper Jordan Pickford.
Steven Fletcher – Scottish striker Steven Fletcher has had a rough time at Sunderland since an ankle injury on International duty. A poor return of eight goals in two seasons since the injury has led to deserved criticism from the fans towards the once prolific striker. With twelve goals in his maiden campaign on Wearside, Fletcher has shown that he has the ability to score goals at the highest level. However, considering his £12 million price tag, Fletcher has not shown enough to warrant such a figure. Now entering his final 12 months of his contract, Fletcher must recapture his first season form if he is to earn another contract on Wearside.
John O’Shea – Sunderland’s captain has been seen as the heart of the defence under previous managers. However, with the arrival of Younes Kaboul and Sebastian Coates, Dick Advocaat appears to have lost patience with the former Manchester United man. A series of mistakes from the Sunderland defence last season, from O’Shea in particular has led to his position in the team to come under scrutiny. Although a good leader off the pitch, his footballing ability has declined to the stage where he is beginning to cost the team points and Advocaat may need to look at the bigger picture and drop the skipper for the good of the squad.
