Dennis Cirkin left 'frustrated' despite 'dream come true' in Sunderland draw vs Leeds United
Dennis Cirkin made his Premier League debut as Sunderland were held to a point against Leeds.
Sunderland drew 1-1 with Leeds at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, battling against several key absentees to pick up another important result.
Dan Ballard was a shock loss for the Black Cats in a game where Simon Adingra's excellent opener was cancelled out by a superb Leeds goal that was finished off by the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Sunderland felt they should've had a penalty when Brian Brobbey collided with Lucas Perri, but the officials weren't interested.
It was a result that still left Danny Murphy amazed with Sunderland's season so far, with Regis Le Bris' side sitting seventh and just four points off fourth-placed Liverpool.
Leeds United chance is all that Cirkin has been wanting
As a result of Premier League promotion, the investment into the playing squad that comes with that and the competition it brings, Cirkin has been firmly on the Sunderland fringes this season.
That was, however, until Sunday afternoon, when the 23-year-old left-back was named in the starting XI for the first time this term.
He played the full 90 minutes against Leeds, and whilst it may not have been his best performance in a Sunderland shirt, it was a hugely important one for him as it was his Premier League debut.
Speaking to in-house media post-match, Cirkin said: "I think, first of all, a bit frustrated after the result, of course.
"But, on a personal level, extremely delighted. It's a dream come true. You look back at these things and you'll never forget them, so it's one hell of a memory.
"It's what I've wanted from the moment I came here, and to make my Prem debut, even Championship, League One, to progress with this team and this club is phenomenal."
Does Cirkin still have a Sunderland future?
It won't be lost on Cirkin that he's probably in the most vital period of his Sunderland career.
Having made 39 appearances in all competitions last season, the former Tottenham youngster established himself as a vital part of the Black Cats' promotion-winning team.
But, the arrivals of Arthur Masuaku and Reinildo have seen him demoted to third-choice left-back so far this term, especially with injuries catching up too.
- Cirkin has made 117 appearances for Sunderland, scoring eight goals
- He scored three goals and registered two assists in the Championship last season
- Cirkin completed 75 per cent of his passes, made nine defensive contributions and played four passes into the final third against Leeds
However, with those two aforementioned players now away at AFCON, Cirkin has a golden opportunity to stake his claim to Le Bris whilst that pair are somewhat out of sight and out of mind.
So, with him set to continue starting at left-back until those two return to Wearside, Cirkin has to leave an impression on Le Bris; otherwise, he's surely a prime candidate for a January transfer exit.
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