Habib Diarra conversations are needed at Sunderland, stats showcase why
Habib Diarra has not had the impact at Sunderland that we all thought he would.
First things first, there’s certainly a lot more to be positive about at Sunderland than there is negative, but there has been more of the latter since the turn of the year.
The Black Cats have won just three of their last 14 Premier League matches, while having also just been dumped out of the FA Cup by soon-to-be League Two side, Port Vale.
Several players have had their performance levels drop massively in recent weeks, but for Diarra, that hasn’t been the case.
Instead, we’re yet to see the true potential of the midfielder that saw him become the Mackems’ record signing in the summer window.
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Stats show just how much Habib Diarra has struggled at Sunderland
Diarra showed some positive signs in his first few games, but the injury suffered early in the season scuppered his ability to maintain those levels.
Whether that is still having an effect on him today is unknown, but it would certainly explain the lack of quality he has been able to provide in the Premier League.
The Senegal international was brought to the Stadium of Light as a progressive midfielder, but he has shown very few signs of that, as showcased by the fact that he has completed just four dribbles with a 25 per cent completion rate.
With an 81 per cent pass success rate, he is among the bottom 20 per cent of players in the top flight for that metric, while having also only been able to create two chances.
His Sofascore graphic below highlights the lack of impact he has had in other areas of the pitch, with just 0.17 key passes per game.
Diarra has shown some promising signs, and at 22 years old, he still has plenty to learn, but his recent performances will cause a headache for Regis Le Bris.
Does Diarra get in Sunderland’s strongest XI?
On current form, you would have to argue no.
Granit Xhaka is indispensable when fit, while Enzo Le Fee and Noah Sadiki have easily been two of the most consistent players this season.
Le Bris has at times utilised Le Fee on the wing to make space for Diarra, but with the lack of attacking threat posed by Sunderland, the Frenchman simply has to utilise the wingers he has at his disposal.
Diarra still has a role to play for the Black Cats this season, but as of right now, that role seems better suited off the bench as an impact player.
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