Tony Mowbray has constructed a workforce able to difficult for the playoffs, nonetheless, the lacking piece of Sunderland’s promotion puzzle is a prolific aim scorer.
The Black Cats have but to fill the void left by second-tier star Ross Stewart in entrance of aim 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 potential departure by putting a number of forwards available on the market, 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 aim to this point.
Whereas Mowbray has paid the value 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 into a key determine in Mowbray’s protection after struggling accidents final season.
The 6ft 2in large 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 isn’t just because of the truth that his facet have the joint third greatest protection within the division, however purely due to his defensive metrics which show simply how necessary he’s to Sunderland.
In line with FBref, the desk beneath compares the Northern Irishman’s statistics in opposition to his friends in the identical place throughout the boys’s 14 video games (or Championship equal) over the previous yr.
|
How Dan Ballard’s per-90 stats rank in opposition to his friends |
percentile |
|---|---|
|
Non-free throw xG |
High 2% |
|
Constructing Blocks |
High 16% |
|
aerials win |
High 16% |
|
contact (to pen) |
High 14% |
|
customs clearance |
High 24% |
|
by means of completion |
High 24% |
Because the chart above depicts, Ballard’s percentile rankings throughout these numerous metrics reveal his capacity to win possession again for his workforce, problem opponents whereas neutralizing them within the air, and arrange in each penalty areas. threatened.
If current reviews are to be believed, the Black Cats wish to add an equally sturdy participant to accomplice Ballard within the backline.
Sunderland switch information – Nathaniel Agee
In line with Swedish media outlet Fotboll Direkt, Sunderland and several other different Championship golf equipment are excited by signing extremely rated centre-back Nathaniel Adjei.
The 21-year-old, who at present performs for Swedish top-flight facet 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 substitute for interim centre-back Luke O’Nien.
Nathaniel Agee’s Enjoying Fashion
Within the Swedish Superliga, Adjei has emerged as a defensive dominant participant and a promising expertise.
The teenager has solely made 30 appearances for his present workforce since making his debut in 2022, however he has actually impressed with Ghana’s U23 facet, making two appearances for the youth nationwide workforce, and can now look to interrupt into Enter the grownup workforce stage.
known as “Physical Monster” In line with “Wanderers” journal, Adjei has explosive velocity and the bodily health to bully opponents. In line with Sofascore information, he averaged 2.8 clearances and recovered 4.3 objectives per recreation within the 2023 Allsvenskan competitors, with a duel success charge 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 capacity.
He at present ranks fifth at Hammarby for correct passes per recreation (40.7) and third for correct lengthy passes per recreation (3.6), displaying that his capacity 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 may very well be a tough deal for Sunderland, however there is no such thing as a doubt he’ll type a partnership with Ballard that might encourage the Black Cats to promotion.