The international break is a dreaded period of the season for all Sunderland fans, therefore Read Sunderland have created a piece analyzing how Sunderland players have done whilst away. As these players travel away with their respective international teams we look at whether their international performances Help or Hinder their claim for a place in the starting eleven.
Seb Larsson
Larsson has found himself as a key member of the Sweden side in recent years. His versatility further strengthening the cause with him being deployed at right-back for the game against Russia. An interesting decision was recently taken on by Dick Advocaat in Sunderland’s 6-3 victory over Exeter City. Having already conceded twelve goals this season and a few of them being down that right side it could be a tactical change that might make sense with the Swede’s work rate and mentality. That said, the recent acquisition of DeAndre Yedlin could cut short this change. – Helped
Ola Toivonen
Toivenon impressed many in his debut for Sunderland at Villa Park last week with his slick passing and encouraging forward runs. Whilst he was deemed a sufficient replacement for one of the worlds best, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, at half time against Russia yesterday. He could do little as Sweden fell short to a resilient Russia side.- Neither
DeAndre Yedlin
Yedlin had joined up with his international teammates prior to joining Sunderland on a season long loan on deadline day. Therefore whilst he is yet to meet his teammates fans and players alike will have liked what they saw against Peru. Yedlin was one of few to complete a full 90 minutes, showing match fitness is not an issue. His surging runs from right midfield played a large part in USAs offensive play, in particular, United States winning goal.
This performance told Sunderland fans mostly what they already know, his competence and pace going forward is there for all to see. It is how he copes when under pressure defensively in this current Sunderland side which will determine his success on Wearisde. – Helped
John O’Shea
John O’Shea played at the centre of an Ireland defence that cruised to a 4-0 victory away at Gibraltar. O’Shea’s involvement in recent club games has shored up what was a disastrous defence and captaining a clean sheet performance (despite the calibre of the opposition) will continue to improve the former Manchester United mans confidence. – Helped
Steven Fletcher
Probably the most publicized performance of Sunderland’s international this week. Fletcher played in front of Steven Naismith in Scotland’s crucial qualifier against Georgia. He spearheaded a lacklustre and very Sunderland like performance in Georgia. After providing a distinct lack of penetration and missing Scotland’s arguably biggest chance of the game when it remained goalless, this performance may change Gordon Strachan’s thinking when picking next games frontline. – Hindered
Duncan Watmore
Following a string of impressive cameo performances in the Sunderland first team, Duncan Watmore was called up to England’s under 21 squad for their friendly against the USA under 23s.
Despite not being named in the starting eleven, Watmore once again showed his credentials when called upon by providing the assist to James Wilson in what was the only goal of the game, whilst also coming close himself.
If Watmore continues to impress in these short cameo roles, who knows how much he could be involved on both international and club level. – Helped
Jordan Pickford
Pickford was one of two Sunderland players handed their debuts by Gareth Southgate in England’s under 21s this week. Following a clean sheet in his first appearance, this has sparked interest from fellow premier league clubs in the Sunday morning papers. – Helped
