View: 76% Dennis Cirkin must return for Sunderland v Bristol City
Dennis Cirkin has been absent from the Sunderland starting 11 for recent games but must return to the side against Bristol City on Tuesday.
Cirkin has been a standout performer for the Black Cats and despite being available for selection against Stoke, he was named on the bench with Aji Alese starting at left-back.
The Black Cats secured a 2-1 win against the Potters on 7 December but Alese was arguably at fault for their goal and Cirkin must be reinstated on 10 December.
Dennis Cirkin crucial to success for Sunderland
Despite overcoming a six-game winless run on Saturday afternoon, the Black Cats definitely missed Cirkin in both offensive and defensive areas of the pitch.
Alese was caught out with a long ball in the build-up to Stoke’s opener although it was generally a good performance as a whole.
However, Cirkin is one of, if not the best left back in the division and when fit, he simply has to play for the Wearsiders, starting with the clash against Bristol City and with Luke O’Nien a doubt, his inclusion seems likely.
The ex-Spurs academy prospect has three goal contributions for the Mackems this season while contributing massively at the back.
According to FotMob, Cirkin has won 114 defensive duels so far this season, placing him in the top 95.5 per cent of players for that statistic.
With 28 tackles made and 27 interceptions recorded, he has demonstrated his solidity at the back which has contributed massively to the Black Cats’ impressive defensive record.
Offensively, Cirkin has also contributed. A 76 per cent pass accuracy doesn’t look incredible on paper but when taking into account the types of passes typically attempted, it is more than respectable.
He plays a crucial role in transition and is often the supplier when it comes to getting the ball to whoever is occupying the left wing.
14 completed dribbles back up his importance going forward and he is often the figure capable of driving the Black Cats forward.
Sunderland will be reliant on keeping Cirkin fit if they are to have a serious shot at promotion back to the Premier League this season.
In other Sunderland news, Don Goodman made an admission on Anthony Patterson.
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