Kristjaan Speakman explains how Sunderland will overcome major AFCON hurdle
Sunderland signed a large contingent of African players this summer to bolster Regis Le Bris’ squad.
Senegal international Habib Diarra was a landmark arrival at the Stadium of Light, becoming the Wearsiders’ most expensive ever acquisition for £30million.
Deadline day signing Bertrand Traore was the final African player to join Sunderland, making it seven additions from the continent.
Now, Director of Football Kristjaan Speakman has addressed the obvious concerns around the African Cup of Nations.
Kristjaan Speakman speaks honestly about AFCON concerns
Regis Le Bris opened up on Sunderland’s African influx earlier this summer, stating that the North East club needed depth.
Indeed, the Black Cats have made a host of additions this summer and have cover in every position.
However, the strength of that cover will certainly be tested when AFCON comes around because up to nine players could depart.
- Goalkeepers: Blondy Nna Noukeu (Cameroon)
- Defenders: Reinildo (Mozambique), Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo)
- Midfielders: Habib Diarra (Senegal), Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)
- Attackers: Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco), Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso), Ahmed Abdullahi (Nigeria)
Now, Speakman has spoken openly about the situation via The Northern Echo on 4 September.
He said: “We’ve discussed that lots as we’ve gone through the window, but the most important thing for us is getting the quality.
“And there’s a lot of players with high quality for the Premier League that play for countries that are going to be in that competition, so we recognise when that competition comes around, we’re going to lose one or two players naturally.
“But that’s where the competition and the depth is going to come in.
“And hopefully we’ll be in a really positive place and that the players will be in a position where they’ll be able to carry on the momentum through that period.
“You know, it’s a long season and for a small period, we’re going to be missing some players. We have to accept that.”
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Which Sunderland players could benefit from AFCON?
When analysing Le Bris’ squad, it is clear that the forward players are more likely to benefit, but there will also be room for the promoted party too.
- Dennis Cirkin: The defender has been absent through injury, but will be the strongest left-back available if Reinildo and Masuaku depart
- Dan Neil: Neil has paid the price for Granit Xhaka’s arrival, but with Diarra and Sadiki likely to leave, he should be handed a rare opportunity
- Chris Rigg: Rigg will mostly feature from the bench this term, but like Neil, could be given a chance in midfield
- Romaine Mundle: The winger is currently out injured, but could benefit from Adingra and Talbi’s absence if fit
- Wilson Isidor: While the Frenchman has shown his quality up front, he is another who could fill the void on the wing
While Sunderland are set to be without some key players in the winter months, they do have several options.
However, there will inevitably be a drop in quality, so Le Bris’ side must rack up the points before then.
Although it is a worst-case scenario, the Black Cats could delve back into the transfer market in January if necessary.
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