Jenson Seelt is ‘big winner’ at Sunderland as Le Bris gets new headache
Jenson Seelt grasped his opportunity with both hands for Sunderland in their pre-season defeat against Sporting CP.
Whilst the Black Cats may have fallen to a 1-0 defeat to the Portuguese giants on Monday (21 July), there were plenty of positives to take from the game.
New signings Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki got some more valuable minutes in their legs as their partnership continues to strengthen before the Premier League campaign.
Seelt’s performance was what caught the eye, however, with supporters labelling the defender as Premier League-ready after waxing lyrical about his performance against the Portuguese champions.
Seelt could earn a starting spot in the Premier League
With the Wearsiders looking to bring defensive reinforcements in due to injuries to the likes of Luke O’Nien, Seelt’s impressive displays in pre-season could cause a potential selection headache for Regis Le Bris.
Florent Ghisolfi is said to be eyeing a move for Sevilla’s Loic Bade, with the French international being a potentially exciting new addition in the north east.
This does not necessarily mean that Seelt cannot get gametime at the Stadium of Light next season, with the 22-year-old operating well in the left-centre back role.
His ability to win aerial duels and composure on the ball caught the eye, with the towering defender able to break lines with his passing and drive into space with the ball when given the opportunity.
After recently returning from a lengthy lay-off, the Dutchman could prove to be a valuable rotation option for Le Bris next season, with Seelt certainly making the most of his audition opportunities in pre-season.
Sunderland still need defensive signings
Whilst Seelt’s performances in pre-season have looked to prove he can be a valuable member of Sunderland’s squad next season, starting the youngster every week out would be a very risky move.
Seelt only made one appearance last season after recently returning from a long-term injury layoff.
Whilst a bid for Jhon Lucumi was rejected, the Colombian remains a top priority for the Black Cats.
Even if Lucumi does not sign, Sunderland must invest in a similar calibre of centre-back, with top-flight experience in a major European league, if they want to have the best chance of avoiding the drop.
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