Noah Sadiki rated highly as he nears history away from Sunderland
Noah Sadiki starred for DR Congo on Sunday, as the Leopards took another step towards qualification for next year’s World Cup.
DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre said Sadiki will attract interest from the richer Premier League clubs in the near future, and it’s easy to see why.
The Sunderland midfielder has been a revelation since arriving at the Stadium of Light in the summer, and has been among the key cogs in Regis Le Bris‘ surprise package.
Sadiki was hugely impressive for DR Congo as they beat Cameroon on Thursday, and the 20-year-old featured as they beat Nigeria on Sunday, too.
The midfielder was key as Sunderland drew 2-2 with Arsenal before the international break, and Le Bris will be pleased to see that Sadiki appears to have avoided injury.
Noah Sadiki ‘solid’ vs Nigeria
Despite being just 20 years old, Sadiki has already become a key player at the international level.
The Belgian-born midfielder made his debut for DR Congo in September of last year after impressing for Union Saint-Gilloise, and has been largely ever-present since.
Sadiki was eligible to play for Belgium and represented the Red Devils at the youth level, but ultimately chose to play for DR Congo.
Now, the Sunderland man is close to making history for the Leopards by leading them to their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
| World Cup play-offs 2026 – qualified teams | Confederation |
| DR Congo | CAF |
| Bolivia | CONMEBOL |
| New Caledonia | OFC |
| TBC | CONCACAF |
| TBC | AFC |
Sunday’s penalty shootout victory means just two games stand between DR Congo and the World Cup in North America, with the play-offs set to take place in March.
DR Congo-based outlet Leopardleader rated Sadiki’s performance on Sunday a 7.7, and wrote: “A solid performance. He closed down spaces well.
“A high work rate and a significant influence on build-up play. Appreciable technical ability.”
Fellow Black Cat Arthur Masuaku also featured in the match and received a 6/10 rating for his efforts.
Sadiki up to the challenge for DR Congo
Sadiki has never taken a penalty in normal time across his short professional career so far, but the midfielder was ready when called upon against Nigeria.
It was a pressure penalty, too, given the fact that DR Congo had missed their first penalty, and Nigeria had missed their first two.
There was no messing about for the Sunderland man, however, who stepped up for his team and put the ball away to send the Leopards on their way.
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