Norwich City boss shares which attribute Sunderland are best in the league at
Johannes Hoff Thorup has labelled Sunderland as “the best” in the league for one particular area of their game ahead of the clash with Norwich City on Saturday.
The Black Cats host the Canaries on 21 December as they look to maintain their unbeaten home run following their 1-1 draw against Bristol City last time out.
Luke O’Nien was absent for that game although his impact in the encounter against Swansea should put him in good stead to start against the Canaries at the weekend, which could prove crucial to the Black Cats’ ability to transition with the ball, something Thorup has praised them for as the best in the league.
As quoted on the Norwich City X account, Thorup told the press: “They (Sunderland) play really well and something we need to be prepared for.
“They are the best transition team in the league. For us, it’s about balance, not being tempted to go into certain areas where there is a big risk.”
Sunderland strengths lie in their transition
One thing that has been an evident change under Regis Le Bris, has been the ability to transition from defence to attack within the blink of an eye.
O’Nien has played a pivotal role in that with his ability to play with the ball at his feet and it would be a huge surprise if he isn’t named in the starting 11 on Saturday.
Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg have also been important to that transition, with their willingness to drop deep to receive the ball and spring a counter-attack by driving up the pitch and that will be something that can cause problems for the visitors at the weekend.
While Norwich will provide a stern test, Sunderland need to win their home games to match their ambitions of achieving promotion.
A win could potentially move the Wearsiders within two points of league leaders Sheffield United although they will be relying on Cardiff City to beat the Blades when they host them on Saturday.
In other Sunderland news, Timothee Pembele was “fed up” on Wearside.
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