With the transfer window due to close at 6:00pm GMT on Tuesday, what will Sunderland supporters be hoping for? After the first four league games of the season and with the new signings already fitting in, what is needed at Sunderland before the transfer deadline to make them take that next step in the Premier League?
So far Sunderland have signed six players. Defenders Younes Kaboul, Sebastian Coates and Adam Mathews; midfielders Yann M’Vila and Ola Toivonen, plus forward Jeremain Lens have all come through the door at the Stadium of Light. Before pre-season, Dick Advocaat stated that he believed he required six new players. He got them, whether all of them are the players he originally wanted is a different story though, as at least two failed medicals and at least one turned Sunderland down after several weeks of negotiation. After the first four league games, where two very disappointing defeats were followed by two draws – the latest a 2-2 draw away at Aston Villa – it is obvious to Sunderland supporters and to Dick Advocaat that reinforcements are still required. But where?
The first position that needs addressing is the centre-forward role. In his 4-3-3 formation, Advocaat does not seem to want to play Jermain Defoe, who has five goals so far, in the middle of the front three preferring him in one of the wide positions with Jeremain Lens on the other. So far either Danny Graham or Steven Fletcher have been played up-front but unfortunately neither have had much success or shown that they are the man for the job. Last season Fletcher and Graham contributed six goals between them, this season, one. They are not prolific strikers and that’s ok to a degree but their build-up play, ability to hold the ball, and bring others into the game can leave a lot to be desired at times. With the formation favourited by Advocaat, a striker/centre forward with the ability to hold the ball up, bring others into play and chip in with a goal would be ideal. Getting this type of player on the other hand could prove a problem as players of this kind tend not come cheaply. If Sunderland do acquire a new forward then the new man alongside the pace and goal threat of Defoe and Lens could cause real problems for opposition defenders and a lot of excitement for the Sunderland supporters. Let’s not forget that Sunderland also have the young and talented England U20 international Duncan Watmore who is currently making a good case to be included in the first eleven after some impressive substitute appearances.
Ola Toivonen recently signed on loan for the season and made his debut against Aston Villa coming on for the second 45 minutes. Although its very early days, his performance and assist for Sunderland’s second goal suggests he could be the man to fill the attacking midfield role that Sunderland have craved. With Toivonen and Yann M’Vila, who scored an excellent free kick against Villa, looking good early on in their Sunderland careers, there are silver linings to be had in that it seems that the midfield area is now complete.
That brings me onto the defence. As previously mentioned, Sunderland have already signed three defenders. Two central defenders and one right back. The latter, Adam Matthews is reported to be out through injury for six weeks. Supporters would like to see another central defender brought in but anyone who has watched Sunderland will know that the full-back positions look a real problem. The current full-backs, Billy Jones and Patrick Van Aanholt are quick and decent going forward but both are lacking in defensive skills, frequently leaving gaps allowing the opposition to exploit those gaps and pulling others out of position. Dick Advocaat has recently said that his full-backs need to learn to defend and when to go forward; worrying when talking about defenders.
With Tuesday’s transfer deadline coming up fast, it is unlikely that Sunderland will acquire all the players they believe they need – few clubs will – but Sunderland supporters will be keeping everything crossed that at least one or two new faces will come in before the deadline. If they do then who knows, under the experienced Dick Advocaat and the players already at his disposal, Sunderland could go on to have a decent season with signs already showing that they are improving, and hopefully they can avoid another scrap at the wrong end of the table.
