When Steven Fletcher arrived at the Stadium of Light from Wolves in 2012, there was a great buzz about the player who scored 22 goals in 61 games for Wolves. Fletcher is a well-known player, that despite being very good in the air, is also very good with his feet.
It’s common knowledge that the majority of footballers are confidence players, meaning that when down on confidence they struggle to play to their best ability, but when high on confidence they can look unstoppable. The confidence theory applies to strikers more than anything.
A great start at Sunderland, which saw Fletcher score 5 goals in his first 4 games in the Premier League for the club, saw the Scotsman earn himself Barclays Player of the Month. But Fletcher’s time on Wearside has been somewhat disappointing. Maybe this isn’t down to Fletchers personal ability, but the fact that Sunderland’s style of play doesn’t exactly suit his aerial ability.
Granted, it’s a little bit too soon to be raving about Fletcher’s recent performances, but has Steven Fletcher turned a corner?
Sunderland’s most recent game saw The Black Cats draw 2-2 at home with West Ham. Before the game, it was presumed that Jermain Defoe would lead the line with Borini switching over to the left flank. But Fletcher’s surprise inclusion in the starting XI raised a few questions. The attacker hasn’t been playing especially well lately, and his only goal of the season came in the opening clash away at Leicester.
Fletcher started the game extremely well by interlinking with Lens and Borini and put himself about well for The Black Cats. After a well-worked free-kick, Fletcher scored and put Sunderland ahead inside the first half. Fletcher then flicked the ball through his legs to Fabio Borini, which should have earned the Scotsman an assist to add to his goal.
An excellent performance saw Fletcher leave the field to a standing ovation from the Sunderland faithful. Fletcher’s most recent performance saw his Scottish side come up against Poland on Thursday night. Fletcher put himself about again and scored a Lionel Messi type goal. Fletcher received the ball on the right-hand side, near the corner of the box. Without taking a touch, Fletcher opened up his body and placed the ball perfectly past the ‘keeper, into the far top corner.
Two very well taken goals will surely bring Fletcher back from the international break brimming with confidence. Hopefully, the striker can get back to his best, and start banging them in on a regular basis.
