Tony Mowbray has constructed a staff able to difficult for the playoffs, nevertheless, the lacking piece of Sunderland’s promotion puzzle is a prolific purpose scorer.

The Black Cats have but to fill the void left by second-tier star Ross Stewart in entrance of purpose since he joined Southampton in the summertime after scoring 40 objectives in 80 appearances for the membership.

Forward of his deadline day departure, the north-eastern giants ready for his doable departure by putting a number of forwards in the marketplace, together with Mason Burstow, Nazari Rouson and Luis Semedo.

Whereas all three are promising in look, none have emerged as prolific Scotsmen and so they have but to attain a single purpose thus far.

Whereas Mowbray has paid the worth for his switch errors within the ahead line, their fortunes on the different finish of the pitch are a transparent indication of their shrewd recruitment in defence.

Dan Ballard’s season stats

Sunderland introduced in highly-rated centre-back Daniel Ballard from Arsenal final yr and the 24-year-old has turn out to be a key determine in Mowbray’s protection after struggling accidents final season.

The 6ft 2in big has featured in 15 Championship video games this season and has earned reward from his supervisor, who branded him a “diamond” after the win over Blackburn Rovers.

Ballard’s excellent efficiency is not only because of the truth that his aspect have the joint third finest protection within the division, however purely due to his defensive metrics which show simply how vital he’s to Sunderland.

Based on FBref, the desk beneath compares the Northern Irishman’s statistics towards his friends in the identical place throughout the boys’s 14 video games (or Championship equal) over the previous yr.

Because the chart above depicts, Ballard’s percentile rankings throughout these varied metrics reveal his potential to win possession again for his staff, problem opponents whereas neutralizing them within the air, and arrange in each penalty areas. threatened.

If current experiences are to be believed, the Black Cats need to add an equally sturdy participant to associate Ballard within the backline.

Sunderland switch information – Nathaniel Agee

Based on Swedish media outlet Fotboll Direkt, Sunderland and several other different Championship golf equipment are desirous about signing extremely rated centre-back Nathaniel Adjei.

The 21-year-old, who at present performs for Swedish top-flight aspect Hammarby IF, will match seamlessly into Mowbray’s backline.

The Ghanaian prodigy will reportedly value €4m (£3.5m) to bolster Sunderland’s promotion push and supply a alternative for interim centre-back Luke O’Nien.

Nathaniel Agee’s Enjoying Model

Within the Swedish Superliga, Adjei has emerged as a defensive dominant participant and a promising expertise.

The teen has solely made 30 appearances for his present staff since making his debut in 2022, however he has actually impressed with Ghana’s U23 aspect, making two appearances for the youth nationwide staff, and can now look to interrupt into Enter the grownup staff stage.

is known as “Physical Monster” Based on “Wanderers” journal, Adjei has explosive velocity and the bodily health to bully opponents. Based on Sofascore information, he averaged 2.8 clearances and recovered 4.3 objectives per sport within the 2023 Allsvenskan competitors, with a duel success fee of 64 %.

What’s much more spectacular about this man who has been hailed as a “little star” is that “worth seeing” Sky Sports activities reporter David Reid commented that he’s good at taking the ball out of the protection and has proven extraordinary passing potential.

He at present ranks fifth at Hammarby for correct passes per sport (40.7) and third for correct lengthy passes per sport (3.6), displaying that his potential to push play out of protection is an ideal match for Mowbray. Ball management system.

With so many golf equipment vying for his signature, it might be a troublesome deal for Sunderland, however there isn’t a doubt he’ll type a partnership with Ballard that might encourage the Black Cats to promotion.