Wolves defender Dion Sanderson is fast becoming one of the best loan signings made by Sunderland in many years. The 21-year-old central defender has become a star player for Lee Johnson since the head coach arrived late last year. His performances and maturity beyond his years make him a must signing this summer if Wolves allow him to leave.
Sunderland Must Look to Sign Wolves Defender Dion Sanderson on a Permanent Deal
Injuries Have Made Sanderson The Main Man
Sunderland have had their fair share of injuries this season, especially in defence. Central defenders Bailey Wright, Jordan Willis and Tom Flanagan have all been sidelined. Full-backs Denver Hume and Conor McLaughlin have also had spells on the injured list along with versatile midfielder and defender Luke O’Nien.
Sanderson has been asked to fill in at various areas across the defence this season. However, it has been when he has had to be at the heart of the defence, alongside players playing out of position, where he has excelled.
Despite his age, Sanderson has marshalled the Black Cats defence with authority and maturity. Playing alongside Luke O’Nien in the heart of the defence and midfielder Max Power, who has been filling in at right-back, the 21-year-old has remained a consistent performer as Sunderland have climbed up the League One table.
Lee Johnson Hails ‘Rolls Royce’ Dion Sanderson
Fans have rightly been singing the praises of the young loan star as has head coach Lee Johnson. Speaking following the recent game at Crewe Alexandra, Johnson said to Chronicle Live: “I’ve been very impressed with him, he’s really stepped up. He’s recognised that Bailey Wright is out and that he needs to up it another five or six per cent and talk to the players around him. He has got a really good attitude, and it’s consistent with his personality.”
Johnson has also been impressed with his leadership skills. These have been vital in recent games, with Sanderson being the only fit centre-back. He continued: “If you’re playing at centre-back, then look after a central midfielder, the other centre-half, and maybe the right-back. If you look after those, it switches you on and helps you to focus and concentrate. He’s a centre-half and at his age level he is an absolute Rolls-Royce.”
Interest in Wolves Defender on Permanent Deal
Following reports in the media, Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson was asked about the future of defender Dion Sanderson, who is still contracted to Wolves. Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, he said: “We love Dion and he’s ours for the short term, but obviously part of our job is to help develop him for Wolves if they deem that they want him to stay on. We wish him all the best [with that] of course. Of course, if not, then a club like ours would of course be interested in a young talent like Dion.”
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