I truly believe Romaine Mundle will shock everyone after what he did for Sunderland Under-21s
Romaine Mundle’s return to fitness is not only timely but may also prove to be crucial.
Sunderland face Fulham on Saturday, and while Mundle will not feature in that game, his return to first-team football is edging closer and closer.
Mundle underwent surgery for a hamstring injury in pre-season, but he was back on the pitch for the first time as Sunderland Under-21s overcame Sporting at the Stadium of Light on Thursday.
The former Tottenham prospect was on the scoresheet on his return, and I think he has what it takes to shock everyone this season.
Romaine Mundle could be Sunderland’s surprise package
I, along with just about every other Sunderland supporter, have been blown away by the way Dan Ballard has adapted to Premier League football.
Alongside Trai Hume and Enzo Le Fee, the trio have looked as though they’ve been playing in the top flight their whole career, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Last season, Mundle was one of those players who could have had little influence in a game, and yet you’d still back him to produce something special whenever he got the ball, and he could be the next player to make the step up.
While Chemsdine Talbi has shown flashes of quality, I’ve generally been underwhelmed by the performances of our wingers this season, with Simon Adingra yet to contribute much and Bertrand Traore sparking mixed reactions.
I’ve seen enough from Mundle over the last 12 months to know that he has what it takes to thrive at this level and provide something very different out wide.
As he showcased against Sporting, he loves to cut in and fire a shot goalwards, though he is just as keen to drive down the line and deliver a ball into the area.
Wilson Isidor and Brian Brobbey have already demonstrated how they can thrive off that level of service, and Mundle’s return could be what Sunderland need to address their lack of creativity from open play.
Sunderland certainly need more from open play
We’re fourth in the Premier League and already look to be out of the relegation conversation; it’s hard to be anything other than optimistic at this point.
However, my one fear from the season so far is backed up by the stats, and while it isn’t anything too concerning, it will start to take its toll.
Sunderland’s xG from open play this season is just 5.1, which is the lowest of any side in the Premier League.
47 per cent of their xG excluding penalties is from set pieces, which showcases a lack of threat from open play.
If Mundle can get back to his best, and quickly, I have no doubt that his return will subdue those concerns.
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