Noah Sadiki: Sunderland gem gets just reward as DR Congo achieve 52-year first
Noah Sadiki played his part away from Sunderland as DR Congo qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
Whether it be Robin Roefs, Granit Xhaka, Brian Brobbey or even Regis Le Bris, there are countless figures that Sunderland’s success can be pinned on this season.
However, Sadiki should be towards the top of that list, even if his work often goes under the radar, given the role he plays in the team.
Sadiki started for DR Congo in their 1-0 win over Jamaica, and he will now represent his country at the World Cup, having seen them qualify for the competition for the first time in 52 years.
Noah Sadiki’s Sunderland form has earned him a spot at the World Cup
Barring injury, Sadiki is nailed on to make the DR Congo squad this summer, and if his performances for the Black Cats are anything to go by, he deserves it.
The former Saint-Gilloise midfielder has run games for Sunderland in the Premier League, whether it be on the ball or off of it.
| Premier League | Sadiki |
| Minutes played | 2295 |
| Chances created | 10 |
| Dribbles completed | 20 |
| Interceptions | 29 |
| Fouls won | 30 |
Sadiki has completed 20 dribbles already for the Wearsiders in the Premier League, which places him in the top 92.8 per cent of midfielders in the top flight.
What is even more impressive about that feat is that it has seen the midfielder record a 57.1 per cent dribble success rate, which again places him among the top 29 per cent.
However, Sadiki’s work out of possession is what has earned him a lot of the praise for the Black Cats, with stats such as 1.14 interceptions per game and 1.18 fouls won per game.
Goals and assists may be lacking from his game as of now, but his work elsewhere has certainly earned him a chance to impress at the World Cup.
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Sunderland may have minor injury fear with Sadiki
While he started the game, Sadiki did not finish DR Congo’s clash with Jamaica, with the Sunderland star seen limping off in the latter stages.
Given the luck that the Mackems have had with injuries over the last few months, many will fear the worst, but from first glance, it appeared to be cramp and nothing else.
Sadiki did his media duties after the game, as well as posting via social media to celebrate his recent success, suggesting that the injury fears may well be minor at best ahead of Sunderland’s return to Premier League action against Tottenham next weekend.
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