Dick Advocaat believes Jack Rodwell’s lack of aggression on the pitch is holding him back from becoming a key fixture in the Sunderland side. The start of the season revealed signs of the £10-million man they thought they were getting last summer. With a full pre-season under his belt and having now settled up in the North East, the stage is set for Rodwell to display the kind of talents that once had Manchester City come calling.
With Rodwell having the best goal to game ratio of all Sunderland midfielders last season despite being blighted by injuries, his talent is there for all to see. When instructed in playing this box-to-box role, to do this successfully in arguably the world’s best league requires a combination of all the right attributes.
Take Yaya Toure for example, one of the leagues best box-to-box midfielder. The Ivorian has the strength to wade through bodies in the centre of the pitch, whilst also knowing when best to time forward runs in an attempt to maximize his energy on the pitch. Toure uses his strength and aggression to great effect, something Rodwell needs to take note of.
At times in the past Rodwell has found himself knocked off the ball too easily and failing to impose himself in the centre of the park. Whilst his performances have improved thus far this season, enhancing the aggressive side of his game could be what is holding him back. Surely after a few games alongside Lee Cattermole should solve this problem right?
