I can’t believe Sunderland had free run at this player after what he did vs Aston Villa
Sunderland’s summer arrivals have blown everyone away so far this season.
With eight points from five games, I couldn’t have asked for anything more from Sunderland so far this season, and that will be a sentiment echoed by thousands around Wearside.
Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa was their third home game in a row without defeat, and it is a testament to the level of character in this squad.
The new arrivals have made a big, big impact, but I can’t quite fathom how we’ve managed to sign one of them, seemingly without any competition.
Nordi Mukiele has caught everyone by surprise at Sunderland
Many may not have actually heard much about Nordi Mukiele before he joined Sunderland, but being a Football Manager connoisseur (nerd, some people might say), I certainly had.
Arriving from PSG, Mukiele has been stunning for Sunderland, and it was amplified again in the draw against Aston Villa just how big a signing he could prove to be, both physically and metaphorically.
The Frenchman was an absolute rock against the Villans, just as he has been in every performance since making the move to the Stadium of Light.
Mukiele vs Aston Villa
- Three chances created (from centre-back)
- Four ground duels won
- Three aerial duels won
- 3 tackles won
- 12 clearances
- 1 last-man tackle
However, for just £10million, it genuinely shocks me how Sunderland seemingly had a free run to sign him in the summer window, though the same could be said for his defensive counterpart, Omar Alderete.
French international, regular for several Champions League clubs and still only 27 years old; how on earth is he at Sunderland?
Granit Xhaka’s arrival at Sunderland is still the one at the top of the list in terms of profile, but the impact Mukiele has already had will certainly go under the radar.
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Sunderland have done everything right this summer
Everyone will remember just how much of a chore it used to be to watch Sunderland in the Premier League, and it is incredible to see how much that has changed.
Yes, they’ve had a poor start to the season, but the fact that many of us will be somewhat disappointed to have only secured a point against a side that finished sixth in the Premier League last season is a showcase of how far we have actually come in such a short space of time.
It’s worth noting that out of all 20 clubs in the top flight, Sunderland had the least amount of time to prepare for the season, and yet here we are, sitting pretty in eighth after five games.
Based on performances and results, you would never be able to guess that was the case.
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