Sunderland once again relied on their ability to perform a great escape to ensure they are a Premier League team for the new season. If they are to keep away from the dreaded drop zone they must learn from past mistakes in the transfer market. The Black Cats must identify they areas that need strengthening the most and fill those positions. In recent seasons even if areas have been identified, it has not always been the case where players were brought in to fill them. Here are four key areas of the field that Sunderland must strengthen if they are to have a chance of having a more successful season.
Fullback
With Patrick van Aanholt having grown in confidence and ability since the arrival of Sam Allardyce at the Stadium of Light, left back is not the big priority it once was. Yes, another left back to provide competition would be welcomed but is on the other side of the field where the Black Cats must strengthen.
Since DeAndre Yedlin returned to Tottenham after his loan spell, Sunderland have Billy Jones and Adam Matthews as a recognised right backs. Jones has not given many optimism that he is the player to fill the role on a permanent basis. This was evident when he eventually lost his place to Yedlin last season after several less than convincing displays. As far as Matthews is concerned, his short time at the club could be near its end if an acceptable bid is recieved.
During the transfer window, many players have and will continue to be linked as is always the case. Recent reports suggest that Yedlin could be on his way back to Wearside. However, a deal between clubs has yet to be reached. Whether Tottenham are willing to let the young prospect go permanently is still uncertain. Several others have been linked, but whoever comes in would be a welcome addition to the defence. Until we see them holding the scarf above their head then it’s a case of wait and see.
Sunderland have had success in the loan market in recent years in this position. Yedlin, Danny Rose and Marcos Alonso have all performed well and many fans have wished they, especially Rose and Alonso had signed permanently. The loan market can definitely be useful, but is it now time that Sunderland stopped relying on this and corrected a problem position on a permanent basis?
Central Defence
In the latter part of last season, the central defensive pairing of Younes Kaboul and Lamine Konè proved effective and if both can stay fit, especially the rather injury prone Kaboul then Sunderland are quite strong in this area. However, if one or both become injured or suspended then the Black Cats have some real problems. John O’Shea is capable of stepping in when required but age is not on his side now. Wes Brown and Santiago Vergini have moved on and Sebastian Coates has extended is loan deal with Sporting Lisbon. Sunderland do have some talented youngsters coming through the ranks in this position and others. But could next season be too soon for them to step up to the rigours of the Premier League?
Attacking Midfielder
It has been sometime since the Black Cats have had an attacking midfielder that can score goals. Too much of the goal scoring responsibility has fallen on the often lone striker in recent years. A midfielder who can help out and score up to 10 goals a season would make a huge difference to the team. Getting that type of player on the budget Sunderland have could be easier said than done.
Last season Sunderland’s typical central midfield trio in a 4-5-1 formation was Jan Kirchhoff, Yann M’Villa and Lee Cattermole. All are good players but they are not going to get many goals throughout a season. Wahbi Khazri has the ability to play in this position, but if last season is anything to go by then Sam Allardyce will prefer to play him in a wide position.
With the game continuing to evolve, many teams are now playing with at least one defensive midfielder, sometimes two and just the one striker. If this is the case a midfielder who can take some of the burden off the main striker is very important. Last season Sunderland relied heavily on Jermain Defoe. A quality striker, yes, but he cannot be expected to take all the goal scoring responsibility.
Attack
Going forward Sunderland do have some very talented players. We all know how important a goal scorer is to the team. In Jermain Defoe the Black Cats have one of the best the Premier League has seen. Fabio Borini can play as a striker but has been used as a wide player in a five-man midfield or a three-man attack. Wahbi Khazri, Jeremain Lens and hot prospect Duncan Watmore are also capable of scoring from wide areas.
Sunderland only have one out and out first team striker at the club at present in Defoe since the departures of Steven Fletcher, Danny Graham and on loan Dame N’Doye. Therefore a target man style forward to give Sam Allardyce and his team more options going forward would be a sensible move. However, a proven striker of any height would be welcomed.
The money that has come from the recent TV deal following another great escape is obviously welcomed but this must be spent wisely. Sam Allardyce and the club have the chance this summer to clear the deadwood at the club and bring in new signings. These new players along with the signings made in January and several others could give Sunderland the chance take a step forward and give their fans a much needed break from the stresses of a relegation battle. Get it right this transfer window and good season could await. Get it wrong again and, well, it doesn’t bare thinking about if you’re a fan of the club.
Fans across Wearside and beyond are keeping the faith that the club is good hands with Sam Allardyce. There is also no Director of Football running the show behind the scenes. A definite plus point. Watch this space as another interesting chapter at the Stadium of Light is underway.
