With Sunderland’s season beginning to peter out with seemingly little chance of gaining a playoff place after five successive defeats, is it time for the Black Cats to experiment? Their strikers have struggled in front of goal this campaign, therefore pairing two of them may produce the goods and get Sunderland’s season back on track.
Playing Two Strikers Could Get Sunderland’s Season Back on Track Following a Disappointing Run
Nazariy Rusyn and Luis Hemir Could Work Well Together
It came as a surprise when Nazariy Rusyn was dropped in favour of fellow striker Luis Hemir who has struggled to impress since moving to Wearside.
Against Norwich City recently, former Sunderland captain and now radio commentator Gary Bennett was not impressed. He said: “He looks lost in the middle of the park. Look, just stay on the last centre-back’s shoulder, when we win it, can he make runs down the channel? Can he be an outlet? At the present moment, he’s just jogging about. He’s not doing anything.”
Interim head coach Mike Dodds has been impressed with Hemir on the training pitch and believes he could be a focal point for the team; however, it is clear that at present, the 20-year-old needs help. A striker partner could be the answer to bring out the best of himself and a fellow forward.
Nazariy Rusyn has impressed with his work rate and his ability to play in several attacking positions when he has been selected. With the Black Cats selecting to rotate their strikers, the Ukrainian has found himself in and out of the team.
The Ukrainian’s willingness to chase and close down defenders could prove to be the perfect foil for Hemir who is still adjusting to the intensity and work rate expected in the Championship.
Three in Central Midfield Not Working at Present
A further case to switch formations is the out-of-form trio of Dan Neil, Pierre Ekwah and Jobe Bellingham in central midfield. All three are still young, especially Jobe, the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude, who at just 18 is playing his first-team football regularly for the first time in his career. The youngster has played 35 league games so far this campaign, most of them starts, whereas, in his last season at Birmingham, he played 22 times.
Following a tough few months on and off the field, resting these players in favour of others and reverting to having two strikers could be the best for all concerned in the short and long term.
A Chance to Experiment
Sunderland’s season, despite not being officially over, is beginning to peter out after five straight defeats. Three different head coaches have also not helped the players both on and off the field. With Mike Dodds in charge until the end of the season, now could be the perfect time to experiment with formations and personnel.
16-year-old Chris Rigg, and attacking midfielder Adil Aouchiche, both impressed during Tuesday’s narrow defeat at home to high flyers Leicester City have earned their chance to start more games. As has striker Nazariy Rusyn. Despite only scoring two goals so far, his performances have impressed fans.
It remains to be seen what will happen over the course of the remaining games this season; however, there is now a chance for Sunderland to give whoever is appointed as their new head coach in the summer a good selection headache.
